Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Excellent weather and good food combined for a great time for all who attended the second annual Take It Outside Winter Fun Day, held Saturday, Feb. 21, at Aroostook State Park.
Contributed photo
The second annual Take It Outside Winter Fun Day encouraged adults and youths a like to hit the outdoors “The event was a huge success. Aroostook State Park had around 350 people enter the gates for a winter family fun day. Activities included cross country skiing, snowshoeing, sliding, ice skating and snowmobile rides,” said Scott Thompson, park director.
Perfect weather, complete with sunshine and blue skies, made the perfect backdrop for the festivities. The day was a community effort designed to promote winter recreation and the associated health benefits of being active and enjoying time with family and friends.
“The Maine Winter Sports Center had their ski equipment trailers at the park and Northern Maine Community Recreation Association allowed the use of snowshoes,” said Thompson, who noted there were “around 150 people that had never been on skis or snowshoes.”
A section of Echo Lake was cleared, providing an opportunity for those interested in skating to do so.
“The ice rink had a few skaters on the surface. And the sliding hill had a lot of use throughout the day,” he said.
Thompson said another big hit was the snowmobile tote sled that was loaned from Haines Manufacturing Inc.
Christa and Scott Galipeau, of Presque Isle, took the opportunity to bring twin daughters Piper and Sierra, who recently turned 5, to the park for a fun family outing.
“The girls enjoyed it. They checked out skating at the lake. I took Piper with me on a snowmobile ride, while Scott spent time with Sierra,” said Christa Galipeau.
“The sled rides gave families a chance to explore the snowy campground for animals. The day was successful for animal sightings, including one bear that came out of hibernation for the day — Smokey the Bear,” said Thompson.
“Smokey thought the rides looked so fun that he decided to ride along with families on this fun day,” he continued.
“The crowd was treated to lunch, which was donated by Graves Shop ‘N Save. Lunch included hotdogs and hamburgers. The Spragueville Homemakers Extension also made tomato soup. The ladies did a wonderful job serving all the hungry participants,” said Thompson. “Coffee was donated by Wicked Joe and the bonfire wood was donated by Aroostook Trusses.”
Sgt. Joey Seeley, of the PIPD, made an appearance, and spent time visiting with participants and sampling lunch at the lodge.
“What could be better than a free lunch and lots of fun? The park had a great day for the event. They had a great turnout,” said Seeley.
Thompson said the event provided “a great opportunity for families to get out and enjoy a winter fun day at Maine’s first state park.”
“The support from the community and the help from the 35 volunteers, Bureau of Parks and Lands and the Maine Forest Service staff made this a very successful day,” said Thompson. “the good turnout and smiles on the people’s faces made it all worthwhile.” For more information on the park, contact 768-8341.