Hiawatha launched with slight hiccup in preparation for cruise season
The Hiawatha sits in the Susquehanna River at Susquehanna State Park on Monday. DAVE KENNEDYW/Sun-Gazette
Captain Mike Strunk sits in the wheelhouse of the Hiawatha at Susquehanna State Park on Monday. The Hiawatha was placed into the river on Monday for the upcoming season. KAREN VIBERT-KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette
The Hiawatha river boat is pulled from its winter resting place Monday morning as it’s pulled into place to be dropped in the Susquehanna River May 2, 2022. The paddlewheel boat travels the river May through October 5 days a week. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette
The Hiawatha sits in the Susquehanna River at Susquehanna State Park on Monday. DAVE KENNEDYW/Sun-Gazette
Captain Mike Strunk sits in the wheelhouse of the Hiawatha at Susquehanna State Park on Monday. The Hiawatha was placed into the river on Monday for the upcoming season. KAREN VIBERT-KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette
The Hiawatha river boat is pulled from its winter resting place Monday morning as it’s pulled into place to be dropped in the Susquehanna River May 2, 2022. The paddlewheel boat travels the river May through October 5 days a week. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette
Trending
The cruise season for the Hiawatha, a simulated paddlewheel riverboat up and down the West Branch of the Susquehanna River, is set to kick off with a relaxing Mother's Day brunch Sunday and a season that goes through October.
As Hiawatha Inc. staff were preparing Monday morning to put the riverboat into the water at the Linden boat launch for the 45-minute trip to Susquehanna State Park, a metal tongue on the trailer snapped or sheared off while the boat was on land.
Thankfully, Allison Crane & Rigging employees were right there to help with the repair and eventual launch.
Soon, orange sparks flew as Dylan Bonk used a hand-held tool to cut off the broken metal piece and then used a stick weld technique to assemble the new piece on the trailer.
The riverboat weighs 75 tons, and the trailer was original from 41 years ago, according to Mike Strunk, Hiawatha captain and seasonal manager.
The riverboat is propelled at the rear by two motors near the paddlewheels, he said.
Strunk and other captains were on hand for the launch. The crew said it loves the customers.
Customers get to see the natural surroundings either on the upper deck or enclosed lower deck.
Either way, they can see those who line up along the campgrounds and their private residents in the city, DuBoistown, Susquehanna Township, and Woodward Township and others who say hello from the shoreline.
"We are excited," said Kim Cillo, booking agent and general manager. The cruises begin this weekend with Mother's Day. "This season will kick off with a relaxing brunch cruise for mom on Sunday," Cillo said. The day will continue with cruises at 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. and 4 p.m., she said.
The season runs from May through October with daily river cruises at 1 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday during June, July and August. Weekend cruises are only during May, September and October.
Tickets are available online through FareHarbor or onboard the Hiawatha -- subject to availability. This season is packed with fun cruises. The princesses will all be back this season, and Hiawatha Inc. staff has added a superhero cruise for all of its superhero fans, too.
"We have brunch scheduled every month, three craft beer cruises with Fatheads, Rusty Rail and Troegs," Cillo said.
Hiawatha has Bingo cruises, family night, dinner cruises with Eat and Run Catering and the Hillside.
River Keeper cruises and an 80's Dance Party with more special events being added throughout the season.