The Hudson River Maritime Museum and environmental organization, Clearwater, celebrate Hudson River Day with a special groundbreaking ceremony. YNN's Venise Toussaint has the story.

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KINGSTON, N.Y. -- Hundreds head to the Rondout Waterfront in Kingston this weekend to celebrate Hudson River Day.

"It's an annual event that's been going on for the past four years," said Patrick McDonough, Hudson River Maritime Museum Executive Director.

The event features live music, children's activities, and boat tours, but more importantly, the event helps spread the legacy of the Hudson River and it's importance in the region.

"National presence like the Clean Water Act were stimulated by the grassroots efforts here in the Hudson Valley," said Fran Dunwell, Hudson River Estuary Coordinator.

This year's River Day is extra special with the groundbreaking ceremony of the Clearwater Home Port and Education Center. The $1 million project is made possible through community donations and two state grants totaling $525,000. The new facility will be a home for the Sloop Clearwater and a place for educational programming, boat building, and green infrastructure training.

"It's slowly coming together, it's pretty amazing," said Jack Weeks, Building Committee Co-Chair.

"We're very pleased that this further reinforces our mission of education, preservation, and a destination," said Lana Chassman, Hudson River Maritime Museum.

Pete Seeger, who founded the Clearwater Environmental Organization in 1966 was at the festival to help break ground for the new facility.

"I feel like a very lucky sower of seeds," said Seeger.

The new facility is expected to be complete in September.