Pocono News Section

Rain Doesn't Wash Out Summer Events

Rain Doesn't Wash Out Summer Events - Saturday, June 20, 2009 at 4:32PM EST

Reported by: Kyla Campbell
Saturday, Jun 20, 2009 @ 04:32pm EST

LUZERNE AND LACKAWANNA COUNTIES -- Summer events planned for this weekend didn't go bust just because of the rain! People braved the weather in both Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties for summer events planned long before the weekend forecast came out.

People still walked the streets of Carbondale for its 4th Annual Summer Celebration. Vendors were pleased with the turnout.

"You've got to take the good with the bad," said Lisa Burke of Burke's Maple Farm. "We've met a lot of nice people. And because of the tents, they hide under here, and we can sell them product."

Many took the train from Scranton to Carbondale and said the rain wasn't going to change their minds.

"We had the plans made," said Carole Fischer of Madisonville. "We were coming regardless "

"I don't think it's bothering us too much," added her friend, Donna Houlihan of Dunmore.

"We're going to make the best of it," said Heather Coccocrilli of Sterlin, the third member of the trio.

They were enjoying the first-ever wine festival in Carbondale, as were many others.

THEY WERE JOINING OTHERS FOR THE FIRST-EVER WINE FESTIVAL.

"If you're not here, you're missing it," said George Mortiz of Laplume. He and his wife, Cindy, hopped the train to the wine festival and forgot about the rain. "Hey, this is why God made umbrellas."

The Mayor of Carbondale was pleased with the inaugural event's turnout.

"This was a new venture for us, and we put a lot of time and effort into it," said Mayor Justin Taylor. "We thought we were doomed. But we had our logistics prepared. We had some extra tents, and we're staying dry."

In Wilkes-Barre, despite afternoon showers, we found dozens of people walking along the river commons, umbrellas in-hand. Most came prepared for Riverfest, including Mark and Matt Morgis of Mountaintop.

"I love this band," said Matt. "I wanted to see them, and the rain wasn't going to stop me."

"We were down here years ago for fireworks, and this place looks great," Mark added, looking around. "They spent their money well and it's really nice."

Riverfest continues Sunday in Luzerne County.