Sophia Kachelries, 10, of Columbiana, left, and Laura Duraney of Youngstown, take part in the annual Riverfest on Sunday along the Mahoning River in Youngstown. The event included free kayak and canoe rides. Staff photo / Bob Coupland

YOUNGSTOWN — With kayaks and canoes available, people of all ages had a chance to see a little more of the Mahoning River at the annual Riverfest on Sunday at Spring Common Park / B&O Station in the downtown area.

Felicia Armstrong, organizer of the Riverfest, which is hosted by the Friends of the Mahoning River and the Ohio Environmental Council, said the event is marking its 11th year. She said it brings the community together to learn about and celebrate the Mahoning River and its watershed.

“We want to get people out on the river paddling in canoes and kayaks so they can be exposed to different features of the river. They can see the beauty of our river. The reason we are here is because of the river. Youngstown became established because the river was here,” Armstrong said.

She said the family event is like an annual summer celebration with many wildlife, plant and nature groups participating.

“When you think about it,when the river and environment are healthy, we are healthy. I hope when people leave today, people realize how great the Mahoning River is,” Armstrong said.

Several people lined up by the river to get into kayaks and canoes provided free by Trumbull Canoe Trails.

Liam Guthrie, 10, of Austintown, was with his grandmother, Mary Guthrie, also of Austintown.

“It was amazing. It was my first time paddling. I liked when we were in the little rapids part where there was more noise,” Liam said.

Mary said the water was not rapids, but a little faster moving water where you turn around. The two said the trip on the river was relaxing.

Revin Razzano, 13, of Warren, who has been in a kayak before, was with school friend Gavin Torok, 13, of Warren, who was new to kayaking.

“This is my first time paddling on the water,” Gavin said.

Sophia Kachelries, 10, of Columbiana, said she had a lot of fun.

“I like being in the front of the canoe and getting to use a paddle. I like the sound of the water,” she said.

Bob Kolenich of Austintown, with Trumbull Canoe Trails, said more than 90 people got into kayaks and canoes and traveled a quarter of a mile.

“Everyone says they can’t believe how nice the Mahoning River is,” he said.

He said before the pandemic, the kayaking and canoeing had more than 300 participants.

OLD TURTLES

For educational displays, Wild You showcased honeybees and turtles, including one 73-year-old box turtle.

Julie Bartolone, a naturalist and founder of Wild You of Youngstown, said turtles were popular at the event, with many agencies having them in their displays.

“We focus on outdoor education and getting people outside. Some of the turtles can live to be over 100,” she said.

Denise Dobranchin of Sharon, Pa., said she was interested in seeing what the Friends of the Mahoning River have been doing.

“I learned a lot about nature and the Mahoning River,” she said.

There also were craft activities for children who could make seed necklaces and other items at the Mill Creek MetroParks table.

To help beautify the river, the friends have onion bag stations along the riverbank.

Dave Manevich of Austintown, a friends member, said the bags can be taken in a canoe or kayak to put trash in as paddlers come across litter in the water or on the banks.

He said sponsors are being sought for the onion bag box project. He said boxes can be named for a family or in memory of someone.