EMHR’s Summer Heritage Benefit Paddle

July 11, 2026

Grab your paddle and get ready for Endless Mountains Heritage Region’s annual Summer
Heritage Benefit Paddle! This event is on Saturday, July 11, with participants meeting at
Bartolai Winery at 2389 PA-92, Pittston, PA 18643 by 8 a.m. Following a welcome and safety
briefing, we will be shuttled up to Susquehanna Kayak & Canoe Rentals in Falls (Wyoming
County). This trip will be an 11-mile paddle down the Susquehanna River from SKCR to
Bartolai, with a lunch stop in between.

Dinner will be catered by Art Coolbaugh and will be ready upon arrival at Bartolai, where
participants can also enjoy some local wines. John Marrow of the Scranton area will be the
musical entertainment for the evening.

This event will benefit Patriot’s Cove in Noxen, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization in
northeastern Pennsylvania and founded by a military veteran and his spouse to empower
other veterans, first responders, and their caregivers to heal and adapt to life after service.
Throughout their 18-acre refuge, they provide restorative outdoor activities, environmental
service projects, and educational events and retreats for caregivers. Patriot’s Cove founder
Jeff Swire will be the guest speaker for the event.

Participants are encouraged to bring appropriate clothing and footwear for that day’s
weather, sunscreen, a sufficient supply of water, and a dry bag to keep their supplies in.
While we will be providing dinner, please bring snacks or a sacked lunch for our time on the
river, as we will be stopping for a short break.

Registration for those who can bring their own kayak or canoe will be $60. The registration
fee not only covers the guided trip, but also shuttling, insurance, dinner, entertainment and
a donation to Patriot’s Cove. An additional fee of $50 will be added for those renting a
single, or $70 for those renting a tandem kayak or canoe. Register for this paddle by
Monday, July 6.