Hands Across the Sand Stretch Across Albany Beach

was one of many venues for the international  demonstration Saturday from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

The event started in Florida as a way to unite people opposed to off-shore oil drilling and in favor of clean energy. There were as many as 218 such gatherings at beaches around the country Saturday morning.  

In Albany, the event began with lessons by performance artist Zach Pine, and then, at exactly noon, the 15 minute hand-hold was started by Albany resident Lourdes Gonzaga. Some of those present indicated that they came to participate after hearing about the event through , or or the .