WELD  — For the eighth year, Mt. Blue State Park hosted Winter Family Fun Day on Saturday.

Park manager Bruce Farnham said the event is part of the state’s “Take It Outside” campaign to get people active in Maine’s beautiful outdoors year round. “We show there are things to do in winter in the state parks,” he said. “People can see what’s here and maybe come back again.”

He added, “The winter trails give visitors a chance to explore parts of the park that may not be seen in the summertime.”

At the Center Hill park headquarters, families could skate on the large rink that offers stunning views of the mountains and Webb Lake. The yurt was a busy place as boots were exchanged for ice skates or cold fingers and toes were warmed up near the wood stove. Skates in many sizes were available for those who needed them.

The state’s snowshoe and cross country ski trailer made it possible for anyone, young or old, to try out those energetic forms of exercise. Park rangers and volunteers were on hand to offer basic instructions and trail maps.

A snowmobile trail-grooming exhibit drew the interest of some while Smokey Bear caught the eyes of many children. A winter camping display complete with a large cave was another popular stop. The cave had been carved out of one of the high snowbanks created after the recent storms.

On loan from Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park was an interesting nature display that featured skeletons, pelts, casts of footprints, and several mounted mammals and birds found in Maine. One visitor thought the scat display was a real conversation starter and planned to share pictures of the “poop identification” with her city friend. Hannah Colbert, an AmeriCorps volunteer at Wolfe’s Neck, shared her knowledge with the many visitors who stopped by to take a closer look.

Weld resident David Fish and his team of Belgian horses again provided wagon rides. Kenney Rogers of River Valley Farm in Canton offered sleigh rides powered by his black Percherons.

Another popular activity was the sledding trail a mile farther up the road. Members of the Winter Wildcat Snowmobile Club gave sledders rides to the top of the hill so the time between runs could be shortened. Monica Moore of Yarmouth was enjoying her second time at the event with her daughter. She plans to come back every year.

“It’s amazing,” Moore said. “The best sledding there is,” she added before taking another run.

Youngster James McCabe of Wilton said, “It’s fast going down the hill. I always crash going down that hill.” Some tricky bumps and curves on the trail caused several wipeouts.

A delicious lunch was available at a cost of $1.50 for those 12-64 years old and free to all others. There were so many seated inside that some had to eat at picnic tables set up outside.

Farnham expressed appreciation for the many volunteers who made the day come together. Rangers and employees from the bureau in Augusta and other parks volunteer their time, he said. The group Friends of Maine State Parks also assisted. Farmington Hannaford, Franklin Savings Bank, Northern Lites Hearth & Sports, Poland Spring, Skoolhouse Variety, Wicked Joe Coffee and the Weld General Store helped sponsor the luncheon.