CLEARFIELD – Clearfield Borough, Clearfield Revitalization Corp. and others have put together an event Saturday, April 23 to celebrate spring, the river and experiencing Clearfield.
The Clearfield Riverwalk Celebration started out as a much smaller event, CRC Main Street Manager Loretta Wagner explained.
Pat Domico of the Squirrel Tails for Trout program approached the borough about having a trout stocking and fishing derby event at the portion of the riverwalk already constructed.
And from there, she said it grew with businesses, such as Grice Gun Shop, Jim’s Sports Center and Bob’s Army and Navy, getting involved and then others jumping on board.
Wagner said it is an opportunity to promote a walkable community, recreation in the area, downtown Clearfield, wildlife and more.
There will be live music beginning at 11:45 a.m. with Guitarnia and a touch of Temptation Alley, followed by Twin Reverb from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
The Riverwalk Celebration will be full of activities for everyone, beginning at 10 a.m. There will be a dedication ceremony with state and local officials on hand.
The Novey family who used to own a portion of the riverwalk, which is now slated to become a park, will also be present that day.
There will be a fishing derby and trout stocking. Wagner said one of the fish will be tagged and whoever catches that fish will win $300 in gift certificates to local businesses. Even if the tagged fish isn’t caught that day, whoever catches it is still eligible for the prizes by contacting Domico at 814-236-3621.
Other events for fishing enthusiasts include a demonstration by the “Elvis of Fly Fishing” Joe Humphreys and precision fly casting by Kurt Thomas.
The state Fish & Boat Commission will have a demonstration on the life of a fish and the state conservation district is planning a demonstration, to be announced.
The Clearfield YMCA is planning on creating interval walk stations on the loop. Even though the riverwalk hasn’t been completed yet, the basic outline is there, and the YMCA will be placing signs at different points on the one-mile route to encourage different exercises in addition to walking, Wagner said.
Eventually the walk will encompass both the Nichols Street and Market Street bridges and both sides of the river, according to previously published GANT News reports.
Wagner said that visitors are encouraged to bring their pets, as long as they are leashed and have their rabies shots up to date.
At 11:30 a.m. there will be a pet parade and registration will be open for that up to the start. Wagner said she is also working on having pet waste stations around the riverwalk.
According to Wagner, the Allegheny Spay & Neuter Clinic will sponsor the pet walk and will offer pet treats and prizes. While the event is free, she said they are asking for donations of pet food for needy pets in the area.
Other animal-related events include a demonstration on rabies by the Susquehanna Veterinary Clinic. Centre Wildlife Care will have a demonstration of various wild animals.
Other events Wagner made note of included stand-up paddle boarding demonstrations by Trail Blazer Adventures, Primo turkey-calling demonstration and a demonstration of the Clearfield Volunteer Fire Department’s hovercraft.
Penn Highlands Healthcare will have information on health awareness and Lock Haven University Clearfield campus’ nursing students will have some health screenings, including blood pressure, she said.
Susquehanna River Arts Center will have activities for children including face painting and plaster of Paris items to paint.
Scott Collins will demonstrate trick kayaking. Visit Clearfield County will be on hand with their van and information on the many recreation opportunities in the county. Penn State DuBois’ wildlife program will be doing water testing and providing information on life in the West Branch of the Susquehanna River.
Grice Gun Shop and Clearfield Borough police will be giving away free gun locks, while supplies last.
And of course, there will be fishing all day at the river. Additionally, there will be all kinds of food available, including pizza, kettle corn, sandwiches, drinks, Polish food and more, according to Wagner.
Wagner said they are hoping this will be a big event. “I’m just thrilled with all of it,” she said, noting that it wouldn’t have been possible without the support of all the other people in the community.
“It’s nice to see people come together and want more for the community,” she said.
If the day is a success, Wagner said there is a possibility of it becoming a regular event in Clearfield, an opportunity to show off the river and what all of Clearfield has to offer.