Park event sets attendance record
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — A combination of great weather and lots of activities proved irresistible to the hundreds who turned out for the sixth annual Take It Outside Family Fun Day event, held Feb. 23 at Aroostook State Park.
Staff photos/Kathy McCarty
FIRST-TIME ATTENDEES of the Take It Outside festivities at Aroostook State Park in Presque Isle included the Griffiths, of Presque Isle. Pictured from left are: L.L. Bean Bootmobile Driver Keith Smith; David and Roberta Griffiths and their son, Chris Griffiths, and Bootmobile Driver Chris Spinato.
FAMILY FUN — Kierston Donovan, of Presque Isle, poses with sons Joey, 7, and Jack, 4, during Family Fun Day at Aroostook State Park. Absent from the photo is her husband, Shawn Donovan, who also enjoyed the day of activities with his family.
DAN AND JILL BOYD, of Presque Isle, stand with their L.L. Bean snowshoes in front of the company’s Bootmobile.
“We actually set not only a record at the park but for all parks statewide. We had 1,007 people participate. We broke 1,000, setting a new record for us and the state park system,” said Park Director Scott Thompson.
In addition to the many activities, those in attendance enjoyed some great food.
“We went through 92 pounds of hotdogs, 30 gallons of hot chocolate and 25 gallons of coffee — prepared by the lovely ladies of the Spragueville Homemakers Extension,” he said.
Dozens of families with children of all ages visited the park, skiing, snowshoeing and sliding to their heart’s content. Many were first-time participants in what is growing into a favorite outdoor activity. “This is our first time,” said Kierston Donovan, of Presque Isle, as sons Joey, 7, and Jack, 4, urged her to “come on” — in a hurry to go see the dog sleds.
Brandy Cronin, of Presque Isle, also said this was her family’s first such event. She brought daughters Mallory, 5, and McKinley, 3, to enjoy a day in the snow.
“The dogs are my favorite thing,” noted Mallory Cronin.
Eric Churchill, of New Limerick, brought his family for a day of fun.
“This is our first time at the event. It’s a lot of fun,” said Churchill, as he helped his 6-year-old daughter Emmaline balance on her skis.
“This is my first time skiing,” said Emmaline Churchill.
There were many “firsts” at the park, as participants opted to try a variety of sports and activities that were new to them, as those more experienced offered advice.
“This is my mom’s (Casey Shaw) first time snowshoeing,” said Cody Shaw, of Houlton, as his mother donned a pair of shoes for a trek on a well-groomed trail. “I have a pair — have snowshoed before. It’s cool knowing how to do something my mom doesn’t know.”
David and Roberta Griffiths, of Presque Isle, were joined by their son, Chris Griffiths, making for a nice family outing.
“This is our first time taking part in this event. What a beautiful day for it,” said Roberta Griffiths.
Also making a first appearance at the park was the L.L. Bean Bootmobile, with drivers and brand ambassadors Keith Smith and Chris Spinato.
“County people are great. They’ve shown such appreciation at every stop we’ve made,” said Smith. “L.L. Bean has us travel all over, promoting the many products they have. It’s fun to see how they’re all used.”
A Presque Isle couple were among those using L.L. Bean gear during their visit.
“We’ve been snowshoeing forever,” said Dan Boyd, as he and his wife stood in front of the Bootmobile. “I need a knee replacement but am postponing until fall so I can enjoy golf this summer.”
“We cross-country ski a lot at the park too,” said Jill Boyd.
Thompson said L.L. Bean is one of the event’s biggest sponsors, helping to make the ski/snowshoe trailer possible.
“We have skis and snowshoes available to rent. There’s a lot of interest in those activities,” he said. “Contributions from our many other sponsors helped get the dog sleds here.”
This year a quarter-mile track was prepared for the dogs, shortening the length from past events to make it easier on the dogs. “This way they didn’t get as tired,” said Thompson.
Thompson said he was impressed by the number of people from outside Presque Isle who attended the festivities.
“We had a lot of folks from New Brunswick. It’s interesting to see our market drawing from all over,” he said.
The Family Fun Day provides an opportunity for those who love the outdoors to do what they love, while giving those who maybe aren’t as active in the winter a chance to sample what Maine has to offer.
“We try to get people who’ve never been here to step foot in the park for the first time,” said Thompson, who credits the many volunteers for making the day such a big success.
“Without volunteers, we wouldn’t have had the success we had. Every one of them helps make the day go smoothly. Without all their hard efforts and labor, none of this would be possible,” said Thompson. “It takes a lot of time and energy but is rewarding to us.”
Thompson reminds everyone that trails are open year-round, with many an opportunity for those wanting to enjoy the outdoors.
“We’re open all the time. We have snowshoes and ski rentals available, with well-groomed trails waiting. Come summer, hiking opportunities abound,” said Thompson.
For more information about the park, call Thompson at 768-8341.
