Susquehanna Greenway Outdoor Expo

Connecting People to the River’s Resources

By ALANA JAJKO ajajko@susquehannagreenway.org.

There is no doubt about it, the Susquehanna River offers a world of beauty and opportunity for outdoor recreation

In recent years, more people than ever have shown an interest in activities on and along our backyard river Yet, it is not always apparent where to go or how to plan that next outdoor adventure

One organization that is working to help fill this gap is the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership (SGP). SGP works to connect people to this treasured corridor-the Susquehanna Greenway-to provide the opportunity and resources for all to access hiking, biking, and paddling trails along our shared Susquehanna River

In 2022, SGP raised that goal to a new level and filled a known gap in outdoor programming and access thanks to their inaugural Susquehanna Greenway Outdoor Expo and they are planning to do it again in 2023!

During the first year’s event, held at Shikellamy State Park Marina in Sunbury, where the North and West branches of the Susquehanna River meet, SGP convened industry experts, outdoor professionals, and non-profit partners to share their tools, knowledge, gear, and resources with the recreating public

The event brought in 50 vendors from across the state to engage with attendees and offered a full slate of workshops, presentations, gear demos, and music performancesall at no cost to the public The response to this event was overwhelming, as over 1,000 people engaged with the event and shared in the learning opportunities.

One attendee said, “Terrific event with lots of great people and information!” Another remarked, “It was awesome! I hope you have it again next year.”

Highlights of the event included a live birds of prey show by the Miller’s Wildlife & Conservation Specialists, fly fishing for beginners run by TCO Fly Shop, a paddling clinic held by Susquehanna Outfitters, and ongoing demos and activities held at each exhibitor’s booth-for example, learning to throw discs with DiscGolfPark

It was a full day of fun and learning for all audiences As one exhibitor puts it, “From ages 3 to 83, there were so many people whose smiles will keep bringing me back to this event.”

The Susquehanna Greenway Outdoor Expo exemplifies SGP’s role as a facilitator. Their services and programs serve as a thread that links adventurers to everything they need to explore the outdoors along the Greenway including the area’s outfitters, heritage areas, outdoor clubs, and so much more

“The outpouring of enthusiasm for this event showed us how important it is to con- nect the public with the world of opportunity right here in the Susquehanna Greenway-to help them plan their next hiking, biking, or paddling adventure right in their backyard,” explains SGP Executive Director Corey Ellison.

SGP is hosting the event again this summer on Saturday, June 3 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the same location

The Expo will again be free to the public and will invite experts in the outdoor industry to exhibit their goods, services, and information-all of which will help connect people to the outdoor recreation resources of the Susquehanna River

Attendees can also expect a full schedule of educational presentations, panels, and clinics, as well as food trucks, and a lineup of musical performances with several songs inspired by the Susquehanna River Plus, there will also be a chance to win a kayak package valued at $888 90

Those interested in attending or exhibiting at the Susquehanna Greenway Outdoor Expo may learn more by visiting www.susquehannaexpo com www.susquehannagreenway.org

You may also learn more about SGP’s offerings by visiting its web site listed below to find information on SGP’s latest news and stories, upcoming events, the various regions of the Susquehanna Greenway, paddling routes, and the parks, trails, and river towns that can be explored within the corridor.