Westchester County is gearing up for Earth Day Westchester 2011: A Celebration of Green,Sustainable Living on Sunday April 17 at Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla. 

Both admission and parking are free.

The day-long event which runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. features music from Annie and the Natural Wonder Band and Solar Punch.

The celebration will feature a variety of fresh food from local New York State producers and growers, gardening Q&A with experts from the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Westchester County and more than 40 informational exhibits with products showing people how they can "go green."

Westchester County plans to present winners of the County's Sustainability/Recycling Awards for environmental achievements, community recycling programs and successful grass-roots efforts.

In addition, the first 200 families will receive a free gift of either a composting bin, a curbside recycling bin, a dogwood sapling or an inflatable EarthBall globe. The first 500 people arriving will receive one raffle ticket for a chance to win great prizes in the free "green" raffle.

Visit:www.environment.westchestergov.com/earth-day

In Ossining, officials are planning Ossining's Earth Day/Stash the Trash event at the Louis B. Engel Waterfront Park on  April 30 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Participants can get some hands-on experiencing cleaning up the park using biodegradable garbage bags. That will be held at 12 noon at the Josep G Community Center at Engel Park, or the Jug Tavern at 74 Revolutionary Road.

The Earth Day Celebration from 11-5 will feature a fun, educational day for families featuring music, children's activities and information about how to save money by reducing your carbon footprint.  Local foods will be served.  

In addition,a Recycle Extravaganza will be held. Residents can recycle their old clothes, books, household appliances and small personal electronics. Ewaste, such as computers, laptops, monitors, printers,copiers, fax machines, servers, batteries, keyboards, mice, wires and computer parts as well as old cell phones and stereo equipment will be accepted. There will be a $10 charge to recycle old television sets, air conditioner units and dehumidifiers. 

"Green" education will be provided by Hilltop Hanover Farm, Ossining High School Environments Club, Teatown, Clearwater, Riverkeeper, Ossining Boat and Canoe Club and other organizations.

For more information visit:

www.greenossining.org