by KYW's John McDevitt

Participants of the 10th annual "Schuylkill River Sojourn" paddled into Philadelphia on Friday, ending their one-week, 110-mile journey down the river.

Sixty-six people completed the entire trip, starting out in Schuylkill County, Pa. last week in kayaks and canoes. About 200 additional people paddled for a day or two along the way.  

The Schuylkill River Heritage Area organizes the annual event. Kurt Zwikl is executive director. He says the trip is about revitalization and economic development:

"It's obviously recreation, education, conservation. So, by launching this event and sponsoring this event, we are really touching at the core message we are trying to leave with the public."

There are 40 Congressionally designated heritage areas in the United States. The Schuylkill area is affiliated with both the National Park Service and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
 
(Photos by KYW's John McDevitt)