On October 22, the Schuylkill River National Heritage Area will honor five individuals and organizations for their support of the organization and host the International Paddling Film Festival at the Sunnybrook Ballroom, in Pottstown, Montgomery County.

The award winners include--

-- Government Partner Award: Cindy Adams Dunn, Secretary of DCNR;

-- Outstanding River Partner Awards: The Keystone Canoe Club and the Philadelphia Canoe Club;

-- Volunteer Awards: Betsy and Dan Daley, lock tenders for the historic Lock 60 in Mont Clare, along with Paul Kusko; and

-- Regional Influencer Award: The Quant Family, founders of Canoe Susquehanna.

“We at Schuylkill River Greenways appreciate each award recipient for their outstanding support of our mission which is to connect communities and people to the Schuylkill River Trail, Schuylkill River, and the entire heritage area,” said Elaine Paul Schaefer, Schuylkill River Greenways NHA executive director.  “We hope the residents and visitors of this region find a way to experience these resources and understand the value each brings to the area.”

Film Festival

The Schuylkill River Greenways National Heritage Area is bringing the International Paddling Film Festival to the region for the first time this year as a unique and socially-distant drive-in theater experience at The Sunnybrook Ballroom.

Families and friends can enjoy the film festival on a big outdoor movie screen, while still following COVID guidelines for social distancing. Groups will remain in their own cars for the event.

The Paddling Film Festival is an international film tour presenting the world’s best paddling films of the year. Rapid Media produces the annual tour which is shown in more than 120 cities and towns across Canada, the United States and around the world.

The collection includes films about kayakers exploring remote coastlines, northern river canoe expeditions, motivating environmental documentaries and more.

The regional festival will also include an original short film celebrating recreation on the Schuylkill River called “Schuylkill Soaring” with stunning imagery from land, water and air.

Tickets to the film festival are $35 per car and must be pre-ordered.

Gourmet snack boxes with mac & cheese bites, popcorn, cannoli’s, and more are available to pre-order until October 11. Each box comes with a beverage including wine and beer options for those 21 and over. People may also bring their own snacks with them.

“We’re excited to bring a worldwide paddling film event to the region as it’s an area perfect for outdoor recreation with the Schuylkill River Trail and Schuylkill River as resources,” said Tim Fenchel, Schuylkill River Greenways deputy director. “We hope the variety of paddling films will inspire people to take an adventure of their own.”

Silent Auction

Another feature of the film festival is an online silent auction. Auction items include a brand-new kayak, two nights in Cape May, an adventure package, and a Schuylkill Banks boat ride for up to 30 people to enjoy once COVID restrictions are lifted.

Bidding is now open at srgbid.com.  Winners will be announced at the conclusion of the film festival.

Click Here for more information on this unique program.

For more information on the programs, initiatives, other upcoming events and how you can get involved, visit the Schuylkill River National Heritage Area website.

The Schuylkill Heritage Area is one of 12 designated heritage areas in Pennsylvania.  Visit DCNR’s PA Heritage Areas webpage and the Heritage PA website for more information.

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[Posted: October 8, 2020]

10/12/2020