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. It runs right through the heart of NEPA, 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 help provide the opportunity and resources for all to access hiking, biking, and paddling trails along our shared Susquehanna River.

This summer, SGP is raising that goal to a new level thanks to their 3rd Annual Susquehanna Greenway Outdoor Expo on Saturday, August 3, 2024, 10 AM – 3 PM.

Held at the Shikellamy State Park Marina in Sunbury, PA, where the North and West branches of the Susquehanna River meet, SGP is convening industry experts, outdoor professionals, and non-profit partners to share their tools, knowledge, gear, and resources with the recreating public.

The event will feature more than 50 vendors from across the state, including several entities from NEPA, to engage with attendees and offer a full slate of activities, presentations, and demonstrations—all at no cost to the public.

It’s just a day trip just outside of the NEPA region, and a great way to discover new opportunities to engage with the outdoors in the region and beyond!

With programming that includes a live wildlife program, local canal history, kid-friendly activities, food trucks, a beer garden featuring Pennsylvania craft brews, and more, there is something for the whole family.

Some exhibitors native to the NEPA region will include:

• The Bloomsburg Children’s Museum: Offering a fun, nature themed craft for the kids.
• Bloomsburg River Poets: Celebrating poetry about the Susquehanna River, stop by their booth for some creative wordplay.
• Columbia-Montour Visitors Bureau: Showcasing the best places to play and stay in the counties of Columbia and Montour.
• Dida’s Incredible Edibles Ice Cream: Specializing in hand-dipped ice cream and other sweet treats. Dida’s also features old-fashioned milkshakes and sundaes made with any flavor ice cream that they have available.
• Anderson Photography: Local wildlife photographer that covers NEPA and surrounding states. Birds are his main focus but enjoys all wildlife he crosses paths with.
• Wildlife in Need Emergency Response of Pennsylvania: A non-profit network of Pennsylvania volunteers who capture and transport injured, sick, and orphaned wildlife. Founded in 2017, WIN rescues approximately 2,000 animals each year, delivering them to licensed rehabilitators throughout the Commonwealth.
• Pennsylvania Game Commission: Based out of Dallas, this region of the PGC works towards their mission to manage and protect wildlife and their habitats while promoting hunting and trapping for current and future generations.
• Sierra Club, North Central PA: Inspired by nature, this group works to protect our communities and the earth through environmental advocacy and education. An active hiking club with local, state and national environmental interests, they host a number of events that include biking, hiking, films and educational programs.
• Project Pizza Company: Based in Bloomsburg, this unique food vendor serves up fresh artisanal pizza on site at over 900 degrees.
• And many more!!

Everything Outdoors All in One Place!

The event will also feature opportunities to learn wilderness survival tips, how to build a tarp shelter, birdwatching equipment tutorials, a balance bike rodeo for the kids, learn how to disc golf, and other activities—plus, a chance to win a kayak and other great outdoor themed prizes! Did we mention, there’s a mermaid?

A full event schedule, map, and list of exhibitors is available at susquehannaexpo.com. You may also follow the Facebook Event for the latest announcements and updates.

Learn more about SGP’s offerings by visiting susquehannagreenway.org. Here you will find information SGP’s latest news & 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.

The Susquehanna Greenway Outdoor Expo was made possible thanks to grants from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources and the PPL Foundation, as well as large category sponsorships from the Susquehanna River Valley Visitors Bureau and M&T Bank.