Old Croton Aqueduct ‘Double Celebration' This Weekend

It’s not just a celebration. It’s two grand celebrations in one.

The Friends of the Old Croton Aqueduct (OCA) will host the “Double Celebration” to honor both the bicentennial for the Village of Ossining and the preservation of OCA State Historical Park’s Double Arch Bridge.

“It’s going to be a great day for the park and the community,” said park manager Gary Ricci, in a press release. “We are really excited to see these historic double arches restored for future generations to enjoy” 

The dual festivities will be held on Saturday, July 20 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Click here for more information. The rain date for this event is Sunday, July 21st.

This free event includes live music by the TK Denhert Band; artwork displayed on the bridge; a museum in the Recreation Center and sculpture throughout the streets of Ossining. 

Guided tours of the aqueduct tunnel will be given. Double Arch cake will be served with a cool Croton Highball, the very same concoction of sparkling Croton water and lemon juice that was drunk during the celebration of the completion of the aqueduct in 1842.

The bridge’s makeover consists of reappointed stonework, new piping that collects and re-directs water into a new water collection weir, re-graded walkways with waterproof membranes and new paving stones, new lighting and steps in the weir chamber that is open to residents. The bridgework was paid for with Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s New York Works program.

This will be one of Ossining's numerous celebrations for its 200th birthday that includes concerts, art exhibits, parades, races, and historic tours of homes, cemeteries and churches. Click here for a background on its history as Sing Sing and here for a story on the bicentennial.

Click here for more information www.aqueduct.org/  or call (914) 693-5259.