TUNKHANNOCK -- On this sunny spring afternoon, about two dozen people are canoeing and kayaking down the North Branch of the Susquehanna River in Wyoming County. It's part of a five-day sojourn celebrating the river's title "Pennsylvania River of the Year."
At Riverside Park in Tunkhannock, community members also came together to celebrate the achievement.
The Endless Mountain Heritage Region, a non-profit group nominated the river.
Many hope this designation by the state gets the ball rolling on future projects along the river.
"It's something that the river of the year will help out. We're looking at putting in additional river accesses. There will be one in Eaton Township right across the river from us. There's going to be one in Plains Township right above Wilkes-Barre," David Buck of Endless Mountain Heritage Region said.
Norm Ball has been the mayor of Tunkhannock for nearly two decades. After several floods over the years, he's happy it's getting recognition.
"We have constantly had to redo things and redo things in the park. A lot of people volunteer their time and putting together fundraisers and stuff like that," Mayor Ball said.
People who kayak along the North Branch say they're not surprised that it's getting this designation. They're happy it's getting recognized by the state.
Sharon Templin of Tunkhannock likes to take her kayak on the river about twice a week. Templin says this waterway is more than just a river.
"It means the opportunity to come out into nature which is primary for me. I love being outdoors. This gives you the opportunity to kayak and make new friends," Templin said.
Canoe and kayakers on the sojourn will continue down the river ending in Shickshinny on Thursday.
