PITTSBURGH -- The Bob O'Connor Cookie Cruise on Pittsburgh's three rivers is making a comeback.

O'Connor, the city's late mayor, was still a councilman when the cruise on the Gateway Clipper Fleet was developed 15 years ago as a way to entertain supporters and raise campaign funds.

The cruise returned with a new charitable mission early Tuesday evening, as it took its first trip from the Station Square dock since O'Connor died in office in 2006.

"He'd be in his glory. He'd be as happy as can be, bopping around, shaking hands, kissing babies and the ladies and whatever. You know Bob," said O'Connor's widow, Judy. "For us, it was like, we didn't know how we'd feel or anything. But right now, all these people, it's good."

It's based on the old Italian wedding idea, where everyone grabs a couple of cookies to take home at the end of the event.

"It was really inspired because my dad wanted people to come down and enjoy the city that he lived in, and for everybody around the city to have a fun night, meet new people, see our beautiful sights and, of course, eat some cookies," Corey O'Connor said.

The O'Connors said the cruise raised more than $30,000. All proceeds will go to the Bob O'Connor Memorial Fund to benefit the Highmark Caring Foundation.

The family said they plan to make it an annual event.

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