I wasn't sure what to expect as I pulled into the parking lot aside an illuminated Hiawatha Paddleboat framed by an otherwise pitch-black background one would expect at 4 a.m. in the morning.

Invited to join a special WNEP TV "Live with Leckey" sunrise broadcoast to help promote the Memorial Day weekend kickoff of the Hiawatha's summer schedule -- and our upcoming Floating Classroom sessions -- I quickly met up with longtime boat captain Mike Strunk, Hiawatha jack-of-all-trade Kim Cillo, Leckey, his cameraman and a few others promoting various themed floats.

Inspired by the drastic increase in outdoor recreation fueled by the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership is offering a special outdoors Information Fair on Saturday, June 5, 2021, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Shikellamy State Park near Sunbury.

“2020 has reiterated the important role that our outdoor places play within our lives and communities," said Corey Ellison, executive director with the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership. "With so many new and returning recreationalists exploring our region’s outdoor assets, we will be hosting the event to connect the public with the organizations and advocacy groups who work to maintain and promote the variety of outdoor activities and places right in our backyard.