Hundreds turn out for ‘beautiful accident,’ 9-mile Kiski River float

The event benefited domestic violence and child abuse charities.

By TAWNYA PANIZZI
TribLive

Cassandra Lamison stood by the Avonmore kayak launch on the Kiski River early Saturday and declared it the best day of the year.

“I love a river float,” said Lamison, who grew up an avid boater in Kittanning. “Especially when it’s with hundreds of people I never met.”

Her excitement grew as busloads of people were dropped at the riverfront to participate in the event, organized, admittedly, by accident.

Derry resident Dawn Potter said she meant to post a Facebook message for a small group of friends and invite them to a day on the river — but instead made the post public.

Within a few hours, 200 people liked the post and indicated an interest.

As of Saturday, the number had grown to 5,000.

“I’m so excited and overwhelmed,” Potter said. “Everyone has been so kind, and it’s turned into something great.”

While the event was free, Potter decided to sell T-shirts and take donations to support domestic violence and child abuse groups HAVIN and Kay’s Cottage in Armstrong County.

By about 10 a.m., 300 people had shuttled from Clifford Avenue in Apollo to launch their crafts in the chilly water. The 9-mile float was expected to take at least six hours judging by the water’s slow current.

Participants weren’t playing around. They intended to make the most of their time along the scenic journey.

They showed up with mammoth floats — enough to fit eight or nine people in some cases. There were kayaks and paddleboards, and plenty of coolers filled with snacks and adult beverages.

First-time floater Natalie Rindt of Penn Township was giddy with excitement. She and a group of friends saw the social media post and decided on the spot to go buy everything they needed for a “kid-free day.”

“We’re moms, and we get this time to ourselves,” Rindt said. “That’s pretty exciting.”

Kylie Coachman of Armagh, Indiana County, said the 45-minute drive was worth the day on the river with her dog, Josie. The black lab-golden retriever mix sat on her owner’s inflatable board and waited patiently while Coachman packed supplies for the adventure.

“She loves it. If she saw me packing the paddle board and I left her at home, she’d be so mad,” Coachman said. “We did the rapids in the Conemaugh River, and she kept jumping up and down, wanting more.”

Cambria County resident Carmen Dziabo suggested the event to her mom, Jen, even though it was more than an hour’s drive.

“It’s boring where we live, and there’s nothing like this to do,” Carmen said, with a shrug.

Jen’s response was quick: “I have seven kids, so a little time away, with just my oldest, is kind of nice.”

The event’s volunteer photographer Randy Mellinger and his wife, Dawn, are self-described river rats. They spend a lot of time on the Kiski’s stretch from Roaring Run to their hometown of Hyde Park.

Mellinger contacted Potter to lend a hand documenting the event when he learned more of her story. That is: Potter hoped to reconnect with friends after a difficult few years helping her child recover from abuse.

“It’s amazing that something that started as an accident has turned into something so beautiful and so powerful,” Potter said.

So many people have reached out to share stories of their own struggles and healing, she said.

The unprecedented turnout spurred Potter to organize an after-party where people could dance to live music and partake in food trucks, funnel cakes and Boba. It started at 6 p.m.

It was also Potter’s story that prompted Joe Schenk to make the hour drive from Altoona.

“My buddy saw it on Facebook,” he said. “I kayak here and there, but this supports a good cause so I thought, ‘Why not?’” Those who were sticking around for the after-party in Apollo were to be treated to a special illuminated ceremony called “The Spark Within.”

It’s a moment for everyone who has ever felt broken, lost or scared, Potter said.

“It’s for people who have survived domestic violence or abuse, addiction or grief, and those who stood beside them,” she said.

“No matter where we’ve been, it will remind us our spark is still inside.”