Rieger Regatta moved swiftly down the Susquehanna last Saturday

The Rieger Regatta, an annual event that welcomes homemade rafts, kayaks, and other types of watercraft each year for a festive trek down the Susquehanna River, welcomed a good number of participants.

According to Jeffrey Rieg, the event’s organizer, they had approximately 300 participate this year between rafts and individual kayaks.

“This was the best year ever,” said Rieg, adding, “It was absolutely perfect.”

And as always, guests wore shirts that reminded everyone, “What happens on the river, stays on the river.”

The Rieger Regatta launches from Hickories Park in the morning, and then travels downstream, ending at the launch in Nichols, N.Y.

In past years, oftentimes with lower river levels, it takes an entire day for the watercraft to mingle their way to their destination.

This year, and because of the recent rain, participants were done in approximately six hours – a record time for most.

On a special note, when the rafts were traveling under the Court Street Bridge in Owego, an eagle kept a watchful eye as the colorful display of watercraft passed by. 

Rieg stated, on the hard work in organizing the annual event, “Seeing this eagle brought a smile to my face, and reminded me why I do this.”

To learn more about the annual event, you can check out their Facebook page, Rieger Regatta.