AUBURN – WinterKids will host a free event for local immigrant and refugee families, in conjunction with the city’s winter festival, from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 2.

WinterKids will have information and activities geared around showing those newest residents how to properly dress and move in the winter, and how to enjoy outdoor activities. All local immigrant and refugee families are invited to attend this free event. Local residents are also invited to welcome these new Mainers to winter.

Climate, a new culture and unfamiliarity with recreation opportunities provide challenges that may keep people inside during Maine’s longest season. Many families new to Maine are experiencing winter for the first time and need to learn about how to properly navigate the cold, snow and ice, and also how to have winter fun.

WinterKids volunteers will serve as helpers for snow person and fort building, sled riding and fire-pit tending.

L.L.Bean’s Outdoor Discovery School will bring snowshoes for an adventurous trek across the field. Flexible Flyer has donated sleds which will be raffled to families. Healthy Androscoggin will be adding to the fun with active games. Hannaford supermarkets is providing healthy snacks and Time Warner Cable is serving up hot chocolate to keep the fun warm.

Many of the immigrant and refugee families will stay warm after the festival is over thanks to clothing donated by Horny Toad, Joe Jones Ski Shop, and South Portland’s Long Creek Youth Development Center.

Julia McDonald, a first-year medical student at the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine, will be on hand to answer medical questions about dressing properly and safety in the wintertime.

WinterKids is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping Maine children develop lifelong habits of health, education and physical fitness through participation in outdoor winter activity. Sponsors include Hannaford, Healthy Maine Partnerships, TD Banknorth and Time Warner Cable. For more information, visit www.winterkids.org.