Pocono News Section

Hiawatha Paddleboat Prepares to Launch

Hiawatha Paddleboat Prepares to Launch - Monday, April 14, 2008 at 4:55PM EST

Reported by: Jeremy Deebel
Monday, Apr 14, 2008 @ 04:55pm EST
Woodward Township, Lycoming County-

As a calm current ripples along the peaceful Susquehanna River near Williamsport, the historic Hiawatha Paddlewheel Riverboat rests majestically on land, with workers making final renovations before cruise season begins. Engines must be inspected, and repairs and improvements finished up before the initial launch of the massive boat, which is a non-profit operation.

This year alone, the Hiawatha is getting about $25,000 worth of repairs, which officials say should make for a much more enjoyable ride. Marketing Director Skip Cochran explained, "Our newest venture this year is heating and air conditioning units, which required new wiring. At the same time we decided, if we have to take the walls down, now's a good time to start just doing a nice general overhaul and renovation, new walls, new carpeting."

The season will kick off with a private cruise for new and old community sponsors the first weekend of May. Then the first public cruise takes place on Cinco de Mayo. Cochran added, "We're going to be bringing back a lot of the great events that we've had over the past few seasons; wing night, karaoke night, our ever-popular dinner cruise and brunch cruise-those are two huge sellouts."

River Valley Transit officials, who operate the Hiawatha, are also looking forward to this year's River Festival, on the 11th, 12th, and 13th of July. It's one of their biggest fundraisers and will feature rib barbecues, music, and plenty more.

"Everybody loves to come up here and just see the mountains, and see the river, and learn the importance of how the river made Williamsport what it is today," Cochran noted.

The Hiawatha has been offering cruise excursions for over 25 years now. It launches from Susquehanna State Park in Williamsport.