2012 Marks the 8th Annual AQUEFEST!

• Editor's note: Thanks to the Friends of the Old Croton Aqueduct for posting this news on Patch. Have something to announce to the community? Click here to learn how.

The Friends of the Old Croton Aqueduct (FOCA) will host their 8th Annual AQUEFEST!—a trail-long celebration of the Old Croton Aqueduct (OCA)—on Saturday, October 6th. 2012—with celebration stations on the Aqueduct trail in Hastings-on-Hudson, Dobbs Ferry, Irvington and Yonkers.

The day features music, bicycle tours, an Aqueduct run, pony rides, historic sites, art adventures, and entertainment including Arm of the Sea Mask & Puppet Theater performing “City that Drinks the Mountain Sky” –a colorful, musical production that tells the story of the New York City water supply—at the Keeper’s House in Dobbs Ferry, at 12:30pm.

“AQUEFEST celebrates the OCA’s vivid history, scenic beauty and connection to the communities it touches,” said FOCA Board member and AQUEFEST Producer, Eileen Cardinal Charles of Hastings-on-Hudson about the 26-mile trail that runs from the Yonkers Westchester border to the Croton Dam.

This year, through creative interactive programming, visitors will experience the National Historic Landmark and State Historic Park on many levels—from cycling on the trail to exploring the importance of the tunnel.

“The magical Arm of the Sea Puppet Theater will interpret how clean, fresh drinking water found its way to New York City thorough the aqueduct and reservoirs up north, Irish Step Dancers will celebrate the Irish workers who helped build the tunnel, and the popular AqueDuck Raceway in Hastings demonstrates the flow of water with little rubber duckies,” she said.

The Rivertowns Tourism Board will advertise Aquefest on WFUV as part of it’s “Discover the Rivertowns” weekend—an opportunity to bring people from NYC and beyond to enjoy the trail and explore the Rivertowns’ restaurants, shops, historic sites and charm.

RiverArts will sponsor “Skepsis” (meaning “thoughts”) –a community wishing-tree where visitors create a small work of art and hang it on a tree that will be planted at the Keepers’ House.

Teens Run Yonkers (TRY)–a non-profit youth marathon training organization will host a 3-mile run from Shonnard Terrace in Yonkers to Washington Avenue in Hastings. TRY connects young people with mentors that partner with them as they train for the Yonkers Marathon and other local races.

“The Friends are thrilled to partner with TRY to bring people of all ages out on the trail for fitness and fun,” says Charles.

The 2nd Annual Rivertowns Roll @ Aquefest—sponsored by The Bike Walk Alliance of Westchester & Putnam, SWEAC’s (Southern Westchester Energy Action Consortium) and the Westchester Cycle Club—will host two group bike rides—a 10-mile family ride and a 30-mile course for more serious riders—beginning at the Keepers House in Dobbs Ferry at 9:00 a.m.

Charles invites all to, “start your day with a ride or run on the trail and end up at a magical day on the trail.” Just show up, or register for the bike tours at http://rivertownsroll2.eventbrite.com/

Aquefest’s corporate sponsor, Green Mountain Energy, will feature a hydro-power exhibit. Other partners include Hudson River Audubon Society of Westchester, Riverkeeper and Almstead Tree Care.

Charles’ vision for AQUEFEST!’s future is for everyone who has a talent or passion to come out and “do your thing on the trail!” The event is free, but special children’s activities will have a suggested donation.

Memberships and donations to the Friends are encouraged. For a complete listing of AQUEFEST! locations, times and performers visit www.aqueduct.org