WELD — Snow conditions may not be the best but won’t stop the 11th Annual Take It Outside: Winter Family Fun Day at Mt. Blue State Park  from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3.

Most events are being held at park headquarters, 299 Center Hill Road. 

Park Manager Bruce Farnham said he’s nervous about the snow cover, which is pretty minimal in places.

“It’s going to be a little challenging, but we’ll make it work,” he said. “I’m crossing my fingers. There is snow predicted later this week.”

Farnham said areas will be available in the field for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Wooded trails may lack snow.

The Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands will have cross-country ski equipment and snowshoes to use free of charge. Volunteers will help those with little or no experience.

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“Snowmobiles may not be able to take people up Center Hill for the sledding. The tote rides may not be possible,” Farnham said.

Most things are still on, he said. The outdoor skating rink offers plenty of space and views of Webb Lake and the western mountains. Some skates will be available in the warming hut.

Chain saw artist John Arsenault will demonstrate his craft. There will be several other demonstrations and exhibits set up. Northern Lights Hearth and Sports will have fat bikes for people to check out.

“Folks can visit the nature center, take a nature walk and learn about winter camping,” Farnham said. “There will be a scavenger hunt. We hide Junior Ranger Badges and give prizes to those who find them.” 

Smokey Bear and Franklin Savings Bank’s Benjamin Bear will be there. Lunch is $1.50 for those ages 12 to 64. It is free for all others.  

“I’m encouraging people to come out. There will be things to do,” Farnham said.

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For more information, call 585-2261 or visit www.main.gov/mountblue.

pharnden@sunmediagroup.net

The 11th Annual Take It Outside: Winter Family Fun Day at Mt. Blue State Park in Weld will be held Saturday, Feb. 3. Even if the snow conditions aren’t ideal, cross country skiing and most other activities will still be possible. Seen at last year’s event is Gary Best, Bureau of Parks and Lands, helping a visitor put on cross country skis. (File photo)

The 11th Annual Take It Outside: Winter Family Fun Day will be held 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3 at Mt. Blue State Park Headquarters, 299 Center Hill Road in Weld. Sledding will be possible, but snowmobile rides back to the top, as seen during last year’s event, may not be. (File photo)

The 11th Annual Take It Outside: Winter Family Fun Day will be held 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3 at Mt. Blue State Park Headquarters, 299 Center Hill Road in Weld. As seen last year, skating is always a fun activity. (File photo)

Northern Lights Hearth and Sports will have fat bikes for visitors to try out at the 11th Annual Take It Outside: Winter Family Fun Day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3 at Mt. Blue State Park in Weld. Shown is a visitor using a fat bike at last year’s event. (File photo) 


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