By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — The Aroostook State Park will be the place to be come Saturday, as it marks the sixth annual Take It Outside/Winter Family Fun Day.
“Mainers of all ages are invited to Take It Outside on Feb. 23, when Aroostook State Park will come alive with a wide variety of Winter Family Fun Day activities. In addition to tote rides, ice skating (conditions permitting), nature walks and much more, the event will feature the ski and snowshoe trailer, providing free use of cross-country skis and snowshoes,” said Jay Finegan, spokesperson for the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry.
Finegan said the action runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and includes a hot lunch, to be served by the Spragueville Homemakers Extension ladies. As an added attraction, the L.L. Bean Bootmobile is slated to be on site during the event.
“The Winter Family Fun Day is part of the Take It Outside campaign run by the Parks and Public Lands Division of the DACF. Family Fun Days have become very popular wintertime events at our parks,” said Will Harris, director of parks and public lands. “The idea is to encourage Mainers to get outdoors for recreation, relaxation and health.”
Thanks to the support of sponsors, the event is very affordable. This year’s program, including lunch, is offered for the bargain price of $1.50 for anyone age 12-64. For those over 65 or under 12, everything is free.
“The park will request a $3 donation for dogsled rides to defray the cost of transporting the dogs and equipment to the park,” said Park Manager Scott Thompson.
“Have no equipment? Don’t know how to use it? Don’t worry. We have all of that, including expert instruction. All you need is to wear warm winter clothing and want to have fun,” said Thompson.
The ski and snowshoe trailer and its contests are provided by a grant from the Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund, along with sponsorships by L.L. Bean, Wicked Joe Coffee and Healthy Hometowns, a program of the Maine Winter Sports Center. The trailer has 66 pairs of cross-country skis, boots, bindings and poles, and 44 pairs of snowshoes.
FMI, call 768-8341 or visit www.take-it-outside.com.
