Summer Activities Abound Along Schuylkill's Shores

It's hard to picture a better way to enjoy the lazy days of summer, than along the shores of our own Schuylkill River.

Luckily for us all, the Schuylkill River Heritage Area is located right here in Pottstown in Riverfront Park and has a number of upcoming events to appeal to the historian, padder or pedaler in your family.

• Early Bird pricing ends July 15 for the Ride for the River.

On Sept. 30 the heritage area is bringing the Ride for the River back for a second year. Take a 16- or 40-mile ride along the Schuylkill River Trail from Pottstown to Reading, beginning and ending at Sly Fox Can Jam festival where riders can enjoy eight hours of free live music

All proceeds benefit the Schuylkill River Heritage Area, which works with partners to build, maintain and promote the Schuylkill River Trail.

Click here on this link to register.

Volunteers for Ride for the River are also needed. Interested in volunteering? Email Laura at lcatalano@schuylkillriver.org

• On Friday, July 21, the heritage center will hold Schuylkill Explorers Family Day.

A free two-hour program from 9 to 11 a.m., the program gets kids outdoors and teaches the importance of protecting our natural resources.

Visit the Schuylkill River Heritage Area's River of Revolutions Interpretive Center, walk on the Pottstown RiverWalk, and participate in an environmental education activity

Appropriate for children ages 5 and up; parents must accompany children during the program

Click here on this link to register.

• The first of three popular Pedal and Paddle Tours is scheduled for Saturday, July 22 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will focus on water quality.

Pedal and Paddles begin with a 4.5 mile bike ride from Pottstown’s Riverfront Park to Douglassville, using yellow cruisers from the Bike Pottstown bike share program. 

Participants either take a guided tour of Morlatton Village's four 18th century buildings including the oldest home in Berks County or ride directly to Douglassville’s Ganshahawny Park for a lesson on water quality. 

Events with a water quality focus include more on-water time, with stops for water testing. 

All events include a picnic lunch(provided) and receive a brief introduction to kayaking from outfitter Doug Chapman of Take it Outdoors Adventures. 

Then, they paddle back to Pottstown via the Schuylkill River. Food, bikes, kayaks and all kayaking gear are provided. Must be 16 or older to participate.

The cost is $40 and each event is limited to 15 people.

The second Pedal and Paddle Tour takes place on Saturday, Aug. 12 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will include a tour of Morlatton Village.

The third takes place on Saturday, Sept. 9 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and again will focus on water quality.

Click on this link here to register for a Pottstown-based Pedal and Paddle Tour.

• Or maybe you would rather take a Pedal and Paddle Tour in Mont Clare along Lock 60 and the Schuylkill Canal that takes place on Saturday, Aug. 26 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m..

This will consist of a bike ride along the Schuylkill River Trail and a kayaking loop that begins on the river and returns via the canal. It will include a guided tour of the canal and Lock Tenders House.

Click on this link here to register for the Lock 60 Pedal and Paddle

There's no question that the Schuylkill River it itself a work of art.

• But the Schuylkill River Heritage Area loves to see it portrayed in art, which is why is sponsors an annual art show, 2017, Scenes of the Schuylkill Art Show.

Now in its 14th year, the show is hosted by the Schuylkill River Heritage Area every fall at the Montgomery County Community College West Campus gallery in Pottstown. This year's show runs

from Nov. 2-Dec. 17. 

There will be cash prizes from the Schuylkill River Heritage Area and gift certificates from North Penn Art.

Best of Show winner will receive $300 cash and a $400 gift certificate; 2nd Prize: $200 cash and a $250 gift certificate; 3rd Prize: $100 cash and a $100 gift certificate; Staff Choice $50 cash and a $50 gift certificate; two honorable mentions for paintings:$50 each and $50 gift certificates; two honorable mentions for photography: $50 each and $50 gift certificates. 

The Heritage Area will collect a 20 percent commission fee from all sales that result from the show and exhibit. If your work is  sold, the 20 percent commission fee is tax-deductible.

The 2017 show will be juried by Rachel McCay, assistant curator at Woodmere Museum of Art. 

Click here on this link for more information and a registration form.