From top, Allegheny Aquatic Alliance board members Rip Davis, Adam Speer, volunteer Blaise Wheeler, Tom McKee, Brooke McKee, Jeff Kline, Tracey Hughes and Mike Handley pose on the steps of the Butler launch at the Kittanning Street Bridge.

Chances for canoe enthusiasts, kayak aficionados and the aqua curious to hit the water in Butler County have multiplied.

“It's really nice knowing there might be families whose kids would otherwise be sitting on their phones and playing video games, enjoying nature and getting outside,” said Mike Handley, Allegheny Aquatic Alliance president. “I think having access is giving the ability to do so.”

The 2019 Launchapalooza features two separate paddling events hosted by the alliance, a local nonprofit organization devoted to water protection, and will celebrate the grand opening of new public canoe launches along Connoquenessing Creek.

The first float at noon Saturday starts at 90 Halstead Blvd. in Zelienople and goes to the new launch at 164 Hartzell School Road in Fombell for a 6.5-mile stretch. A 10 a.m. meetup is scheduled.

In September, the second float follows, starting at the new launch at 117 McKim Way in Ellwood City to 601 Wampum Road in Ellwood City for an 8-mile stretch.

The float series is designed to inform the community about the new boat launches and encourage conservation efforts and recreational use of the often overlooked waterway.

The Launchapalooza floats are free and open to all ages. Life jackets, canoes and kayaks are available.

A celebration will follow the floats and include a ribbon-cutting ceremony, food and drink, music, door prizes and other activities.

This is an excerpt — pick up Friday's Butler Eagle to read the full article.