WELD — The 11th annual Take It Outside event Saturday at Mount Blue State Park was inclusive of all winter enthusiasts, with adaptive equipment on hand along with the latest in winter sports gear.

Everyone could try adaptive Nordic and snowshoe equipment and adaptive mountain bikes, which are made with various disabilities in mind.

The expanded event featured fat bikes brought by Northern Lights Hearth & Sports. Equipped with hydraulic brakes and wide tires, they are a good match for snowy trails.

Cross country skiing, snowshoeing and ice skating were also offered, and a great hill for sledding was a major attraction. More experienced cross country skiers could access miles of groomed trails that are maintained all winter. Those just getting started could try a simple circle on flat ground.

“The whole goal is to break down barriers and get people outside to try any of the winter activities that are available,” State Park Regional Manager Gary Best said. “There is no cost to try the equipment here, and there are people at each station to give instruction.”

Mount Blue was among the first state parks to introduce the annual winter event, which now takes place at most parks in Maine. “These events bring people out to the park, and then they keep coming back,” Best said.

The event is also an opportunity to learn more about the natural world. A nature center was set up in a snow maze. Pelts of various animals found in the local forests were on display, along with mounted animals, including a bear cub, an owl and a raccoon. You could find tracks of various animals and compare the scats of each.

Visitors could also learn how to make a fire on snow in any winter weather and about winter camping in a tent or snow cave.

Volunteers prepared a delicious spread of grilled meats, soups and desserts available for a low price.

The event notably expanded its reach with the addition of a warming hut a few years ago, according to Park Manager Bruce Farnham. The yurt with a wood stove houses the ice skates and is a popular place to pop in. “It makes all the difference in the world,” Farnham said.

For youngsters, a hayride pulled by a tractor and a sled pulled by a snowmobile were popular choices. A scavenger hunt was set up, and Smokey the Bear was on hand to give hugs.

The event drew hundreds of people from the Portland area, Augusta and Lewiston, along with many locals, according to Farnham. About 20 volunteers and several state park employees make the event happen each year.

Volunteer Kim Redmond helps Nora Kalback with a fat bike while her mother, Shawn, looks on at the annual Take It Outside winter activities event at Mount Blue State Park in Weld on Saturday. (Jenny Johnson photo)

Lisa Drapeau, who has a knee injury, takes a spin on an adaptive bike with the help of Brandon Merry, program manager of Maine Adaptive Sports and Recreation, at the annual Take It Outside winter activities event at Mount Blue State Park in Weld on Saturday. (Jenny Johnson photo)