Aroostook State Park to host fun day

    AUGUSTA – The third “Take It Outside” event of the year is coming up fast, with a Family Fun Day at 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 21, at Aroostook State Park in Presque Isle.     Families, scouting groups, outing clubs and outdoor enthusiasts are invited to come and enjoy the best of winter fun in the wonderful Maine outdoors.
    “We’ll be warming things up with a terrific day of fun and activity for everyone,” Gary Best, Bureau of Parks and Lands interpretive specialist, said. “Our Family Fun Days at the Maine state parks are getting to be well-known as the greatest outdoor fun that kids and parents can have – and at the best price, too!”
    “Take It Outside” is an initiative led by Gov. John E. Baldacci and supported by the Bureau of Parks and Lands, under the Maine Department of Conservation, to encourage Maine’s children and families to reconnect with nature.
    The initiative’s first event of the year, a fishing derby held Jan. 18 at Lake St. George State Park, was very successful, with more than 90 children and families taking part.  An even bigger crowd is expected at the second event, a Family Fun Day on Feb. 7 at Mount Blue State Park.
    Activities for the upcoming Family Fun Day at Aroostook State Park include: cross-country skiing; snowshoeing; ice skating; sledding; and natural history exploration.
    Loaner equipment is available on site, or participants can bring their own. Everyone is reminded to wear appropriate clothing for the weather.
    A warming hut, coffee and hot chocolate will be available all day. Lunch will be provided.
    The cost for the event is $1.50 per person (age 12-64); all others are free.
    Sponsors for the event are: MDOC; Graves Supermarkets; Wicked Joe coffee; Maine Winter Sports Center; and Northern Maine Community Recreation Association.
    For more information, go to:   http://www.maine.gov/doc/parks/index.html or http://take-it-outside.com/ or call Aroostook State Park for more information at:  (207) 768-8341
    Please note that trail conditions for Aroostook are now posted at: http://www.maine.gov/doc/parks/parksinfo/winterreports/aroostookwintertrailconditions.html
    Registration for this summer’s First Time Camper program will begin on April 1. Visit http://take-it-outside.com/ for more details.