Senator Murphy and Teatown Honor Veterans with Free Admission to Eaglefest

Croton-on-Hudson, NY - Many our veterans have fought courageously during times of war, while others have tenaciously guarded our shores in times of peace. All our servicemen and women share the common thread of selfless dedication to our country while asking for nothing in return. Senator Terrence Murphy and Teatown will salute our veterans by offering them free admission to the 14th Annual Hudson River EagleFest. The popular event for bird watchers, families and music lovers will be held on Saturday, February 10, at Croton Point Park, 1 Croton Point Avenue in Croton-on-Hudson from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.
 
 "Veterans are our neighbors, our families, and our friends. They risked their lives for our freedom and should be recognized for their service and their willingness to put everything on the line," said Senator Murphy. "Offering veterans free admission to EagleFest is a way for us to give back and say thank you for all that you have done. We had a great turnout of veterans last year. I know many will be coming back for this year's event bringing with them a new audience of veterans discovering the charm of EagleFest for the first time."
 
"Teatown is grateful to Senator Murphy for his help in engaging veterans throughout the Hudson Valley," said Kevin Carter, Executive Director for Teatown. "EagleFest is a unique community event and provides a wonderful opportunity to show our immense appreciation to all who have served."
 
Yorktown resident Eugene Lang, a senior vice commander with the Order of the Purple Heart and a veteran of the Vietnam War stated, "It is a great honor to be remembered. We served our country and many of us paid the price to protect our freedom. It is very rare to get anything for free these days. Inviting veterans to EagleFest for free is a very generous gesture on the part of Senator Murphy and Teatown."
 
"I think EagleFest is a wonderful event. I went last year. I had never been exposed to anything like EagleFest before," said Doug Ferguson, a resident of Peekskill and an Air Force veteran who works at the Montrose V.A. "I was in awe of the birds and learned a great deal about their habitat and lifestyle. The experience made me feel like a little kid again."
 
Each veteran is invited to bring one guest free of charge. Pre-registration is required. Veterans can call Senator Murphy's District Office at 914-962-2624 to reserve a spot.
 
This year's festival will feature special guest Dar Williams, one of America's premiere singer-songwriters. Born in Mount Kisco and raised in Chappaqua, Williams gained national attention in the 1990s with her unique folk/pop style and pristine soprano voice.
 
More than 25 environmental organizations will participate in the 2018 EagleFest, which will feature live programs spotlighting birds of prey, bird walks, bus tours, live music, children's activities and fully stocked food trucks. Birding experts will staff viewing sites along the Hudson, pointing out the eagle's locations for visitors.
 
Each winter between December and March, more than 100 bald eagles migrate south from Canada, New England and northern New York to feeding areas in the Hudson Valley. The Hudson River is such a notable location to view bald eagles that it has been designated as an Important Bird Area by the Audubon Society.
 
Given the windy winter weather so far, guests are advised to dress warmly for EagleFest.  The EagleFest Headquarters and the Theatre will be heated. In the event of snow, EagleFest will be rescheduled for the following day, Sunday, February 11, 2018.  For more information about EagleFest, including directions, parking, ticket prices and a schedule of events, visit the Teatown Lake Reservation website at  www.teatown.org or contact them at 914-762-2912, ext. 110.