2009 marks the 400th anniversary of the historic voyage of Captain Henry Hudson up the river that now bears his name. On Sunday, June 7th, Lyndhurst and Westchester County will mark the importance of this Quadricentennial year by presenting a day of family fun and environmental education.
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Top: Jonathan Kruk as Henry Hudson. Photo by Andrea Sadler |
The Hudson River Fest: A Search for the Past, Present and Future will celebrate the area’s rich ties to the river and land and explore the respectful stewardship of these incredibly important, but ever so fragile, resources that we often take for granted.
Lyndhurst, a National Trust Historic Site overlooking the historic Hudson River in Tarrytown, will be the venue for environmental enthusiasts, nature organizations, historical societies, authors, musicians and Hudson Valley farmers and wineries to join together and celebrate. The Hudson River Quest, designed by Westchester County Parks, will engage the entire family in a scavenger hunt highlighting facts about local history, landscape and the river. At 1pm, County Executive Andy Spano will unveil updated plans for the Hudson RiverWalk. Once completed, the RiverWalk trail will follow the Hudson River for more than fifty miles from Yonkers to Peekskill.
Environmental organizations such as Groundwork Hudson Valley Science Barge and Hudson River Watershed Alliance will have hands-on activities for the kids and demonstrations for adults. The Hudson River Audubon Society, The Care of Trees and The Friends of the Old Croton Aqueduct will provide nature walks and tours. Ambassador animals will be joining us from Greenburgh Nature Center, Teatown Lake Reservation and the Wolf Conservation Center.
Historians, folklorists, authors and scientists will present lectures and performances throughout the day. History reenactor Jonathan Kruk will portray Henry Hudson. Jerry Silverman will perform songs from New York Sings: 400 Years of the Empire State in Song. Frances Dunwell will talk on The Hudson: America’s River. Landscape Ecologist, Dr. Eric Sanderson, will present The Mannahatta Project: The Science Behind Manhattan in 1609, and Native American Evan Pritchard will speak on What Henry Hudson Didn’t See.
We invite you to bring your family and stay for the day. The Hudson River Fest will be fun for all ages. Join us from 10am – 5pm on the great lawn at Lyndhurst on Sunday, June 7th. $5 suggested donation for Adults and free for children. Visit www.westchestergov.com/events for the full list of participants and schedule for the day, or call (914) 631-4481, ext. 43222.
