Solar-powered rock band and sculpture contest top Earth Day event at NYPA Visitors Center

Get creative and help save the planet at the same time

The New York Power Authority is encouraging visitors of all ages to participate in a sculpture contest, which will be one of the featured events at its "Every Day is Earth Day" celebration, Saturday, April 28, at its admission-free Power Vista, the visitors center for NYPA's Niagara Power Project.

The sculptures should be made with recyclable materials and can be brought to the event for display the week prior to the event. Artistic adults and children are encouraged to be as creative and imaginative as possible, and to draw inspiration from the world around them.

In addition, visitors will be able to enjoy the sounds of Solar Punch — a four-person band that rocks out on solar-powered instruments. Based in the New York City Metropolitan area, the band uses music to sing about science and the environment. The band participated in the 2009 Climate Solutions Road Tour — a 35-day tour across India addressing environmental challenges with climate leadership workshops and creative eco-activism via song, dance and art.

Buffalo fine arts sculptor Lawrence Kinney will judge NYPA's Earth Day sculpture contest. The most creative sculptor will receive a Discovery Pass for four to Niagara Falls State Park, which includes admittance to the Maid of the Mist, Cave of the Winds, Observation Tower, Gorge Discovery Center and more — courtesy of New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. Prizes also will be awarded for second and third-place winners.

All of the sculptures entered in the contest will be displayed in the Power Vista's Community Room during the Earth Day event. Winners will be announced at 3 p.m.

Other "green-themed" activities at the family-oriented event include free rides on the Niagara Scenic Trolley between the Power Vista and Gorge Discovery Center, a visit by the Buffalo Zoomobile, face painting by the YMCA of Lockport's Teen Leaders Club, crafts presented by the State Parks' Interpretive Center, and local exhibitors.

Modern Disposal Services Inc. and the New York State Energy Research Development Authority will conduct presentations on recycling and energy efficiency.

In addition to Earth Day events, guests are invited to enjoy the Power Vista's attractions, which include displays and interactive exhibits relating to the production of electricity, energy efficiency and the area's history, as well as spectacular views from the observation deck 350 feet above the Niagara River Gorge.

Parking and admission at the Power Vista, located at 5777 Lewiston Road, Lewiston, are always free.

For more information, contact the Niagara Project Power Vista at 716-286-6661 or email [email protected]

For more information, visit www.nypa.gov.