Don't Miss

The Rye Nature Center will host area environmental, conservation and outdoor recreation groups in a public Earth Day Celebration for residents of lower Westchester County, Sunday, April 22, from 1 to 4 p.m. The free event free promised to be enlightening and entertaining for all ages.

Dozens of fun and educational activities will be offered, including adult presentations every hour in front of the fireplace in the main room by organizations from Backyard Beekeepers to Grass Roots Environmental Education. Children’s activities, including make and take crafts and live animal presentation, will take place in the glass classroom. Hikes will leave every half hour from the Outdoor Classroom and interactive displays will be set up in the parking lot.

Over 20 million people celebrated the first Earth Day in 1970. Learn more about the history of Earth Day and the environmental protection accomplishments that it inspired at the RNC opening ceremony.

Examine the environmental challenges that we still face today. Make your pledge for environmental action at the Closing Ceremony. Your participation in this event will help keep the “Earth Day—Every Day” spirit alive in our community. Parking is available across the street at Rye High School.

Lace up those jogging shoes for the Rye YMCA’s 19th Annual Rye Derby April 29, 1 p.m., rain or shine. Join the family 1-mile fun walk or 5-mile race through the streets of Rye. Sign up early to receive your Rye Derby shirt and gift pack. After the walk/race, enjoy entertainment and food.

“The Rye Derby is an exciting community event which brings out some of the best runners in the world, as well as hundreds of families,” said Rye YMCA Development Director Sally Wright. “We are so appreciative of the many business sponsors and community volunteers that help us make the Derby successful every year.” Last year’s Rye Derby netted $33,000 for Rye Y programs, including teen activities and financial aid for families.

The Derby kicks off in front of the Y with the Family Fun Run/Walk at 1 p.m. The five-mile road race begins on downtown Purchase Street at 1:45 p.m., with the finish line in front of the Rye YMCA. Medals are given to championship race winners in their age groups and there is a cash purse for the top 1st-, 2nd- and 3rd- place winners. Participants of both events receive a Derby T-shirt and a “runners” bag of goodies. The races are followed by a barbeque, live music and fun activities for kids, including a large slide, jumping castle and basketball games.

You are encouraged to register in advance. Stop by the member services desk or log on to www.ryeymca.org. Registration forms for both races can be downloaded online and online registration is available for the five-mile championship race.  Fees are $18 for the fun run/walk prior to race day and $20 the day of the race. Advance reservations are not required but strongly suggested. The fee for the five-mile race is $20 or $25 the day of the race. Open registration begins at 11 a.m. on race day. Call 967-6363.