Aroostook State Park
readies for Winter Family Fun Day
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
Hot off the success of its “First Day Hikes” held on New Year’s Day, the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands once again is offering an array of winter family fun activities at Maine state parks, including this weekend’s Take It Outside event at the Aroostook State Park.
“This is our fourth year offering our winter Take It Outside events, and they are becoming increasingly popular,” said Will Harris, director of the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands (BPL), under the Maine Department of Conservation. “There’s nothing better to break up cabin fever than a fun day outside, and we know that lots of children and families look forward to these special events.”
Locally, Aroostook State Park is gearing up for another fun event.
“We are approaching our fifth annual Winter Family Fun Day and are asking everyone to spread the word about activities taking place Saturday at the Aroostook State Park. We are opening the park for various fun activities, winter style,” said Park Director Scott Thompson.
Thompson invites everyone to “come enjoy the best of winter in the wonderful Maine outdoors.”
“Expert ski and snowshoeing instruction will be available to help you enjoy all that winter has to offer.
Winter Family Fun Day will be held 10 a.m.-3 p.m., on Saturday, Feb. 25, at Aroostook State Park in Presque Isle. Activities include: cross-country skiing, sliding, snowshoeing, ice skating (conditions permitting), snowmobile tote rides, guided nature/bird walks and dog sled rides (for a $2 per person donation). Lunch will be provided free.
“Loaner equipment will be on site or you can bring your own. Those looking to skate must bring their own,” he said. “Ask us about our rental program.”
Sponsors include: Graves Super Market, Katahdin Trust Co., Haines Manufacturing Inc., Cary Medical Center, Northern Maine Development Commission, TD Bank and Maine National Guard. A hot lunch is included. Cost is $1.50 for adults, ages 12-64; kids under 12 and seniors are free.
“The trails are in wonderful shape for skiing and snowshoeing. If one has never done this activity, now is the time to try — either by coming to the Winter Family Fun Day where the cost of the event includes the equipment or another day where it still is affordable to try these fun activities without breaking the bank,” said Thompson.
The park will also serve as a drop-off area for Feed the County.
“Let’s help our neighbors and bring in non-perishable/canned foods,” Thompson said.
For more information about Maine state parks, go to: www.parksandlands.com, look on Facebook for Aroostook State Park or call 768-8341.
