State Park’s Fun Day brings families outside
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Aroostook State Park’s annual Fun Day, Feb. 26, was the perfect opportunity for visitors to head outdoors to enjoy the many activities offered at the recreational site.
Scott Thompson, park director, was pleased with this year’s turnout.
“Attendance was good again this year, with several individuals and families visiting and enjoying the festivities,” said Thompson.
He said although numbers were down slightly from last year, the 2011 event was considered another success in the Maine State Park System’s efforts to get folks to “Take It Outside.”
“State parks have a lot to offer and provide a perfect setting to bring the whole family for a variety of activities year-round. Fun Day offered participants a chance to take a dogsled ride, ice skate, cross-country ski, take a snowmobile ride, go sledding down the hill, snowshoe through the woods, warm up at our bonfire and enjoy a free lunch,” Thompson said.
A number of families took part in this year’s event, including people from Maine and other states. A New Jersey family who recently bought property locally indicated Aroostook State Park was one of the reasons they chose to buy in this section of Maine.
“We saw this event was going on and thought we’d check it out. We’re buying a house, with plans of someday possibly retiring here,” said Sharon Sweeten, as she waited with her daughters for her husband to join them.
Daughters Morgan Sweeten, 9, and Gretchen Sweeten, 7, were preparing to head out on snowshoes with their parents.
“We’re having fun,” said Morgan.
“There’s a lot to do,” added her sister.
Their father, Ken Sweeten, soon joined them, along with Nika, his police dog who resides with the family.
“I work as a law enforcement officer in Camden County, N.J. I still have 12 years until I retire. We bought a house here that serves as our vacation home/investment property,” he said.
He said unlike the area of the country they now live in, Presque Isle offers a more peaceful lifestyle — something he and his family like to get away and enjoy from time to time.
“We like the area and all the family activities that are available,” he said.
Chunzeng Wang, a professor at the University of Maine at Presque Isle and resident of the city, was at the park with his three daughters.
“This is our first time attending Fun Day activities at the park,” he said.
Wang’s daughters — Joy, 9, Dora, 11, and Angela, 13 — were having a good time trying a little bit of everything being offered.
“We’ve been sledding and snowmobiling,” said Dora.
“We took a dogsled ride and snowmobile ride,” added Angela.
“It’s a lot of fun,” noted Joy.
“Last year I had to work and we couldn’t attend. There’s a lot to do. It’s a good way to spend time together as a family,” said Chenzeng.
Chenzeng credited Thompson and his staff for hosting such a wonderful family-oriented day of fun.
“Scott does a wonderful job organizing this every year. The event attracts people from all over, not just Presque Isle. I met a group from Texas who were here skiing earlier,” he said.
Scott Galipeau, his wife, Christa, and their daughters, Piper and Sierra, have made Fun Day an annual family outing.
“We’ve done this for several years. The girls enjoy it,” said Scott Galipeau, of Presque Isle. “I took Sierra with me skiing on the trail system. It was a beautiful day for everyone.”
Lexis Hathaway, 5, and her father, Clay, of Fort Fairfield, were also making family memories.
“This is our second year. We thought we’d try snowshoeing,” said Clay Hathaway, holding his daughter’s hand as they headed out on the trail.
A bit too shy to answer, the little girl nodded her approval when asked if she was having fun.
Such fun activities would not be possible without all the help of many volunteers.
Dixie Shaw acted as ski tour director, offering trail tips as skiers headed out for a bit of cross-country fun.
“This is my third year. It’s a lot of fun. I get to meet a lot of great people,” said Shaw.
Fred Haines was on hand once again this year, providing snowmobile rides to all who wanted one.
Assisting on the sledding hill was Janpen Poiesz.
“I like to volunteer. The sled hill’s always busy. It’s good,” said Poiesz, as she held a sled for a little boy, then let the saucer go, much to the delight of the youth.
Thompson said it’s a combined effort on the part of staff, volunteers and participants.
“None of this would be possible without the hard work of staff and volunteers and the participation of the many who come to the park to enjoy the many fun things we have in store,” said Thompson. “At a time when gas prices are preventing people from planning vacations to pricier destinations, the state park is an affordable option with something for everyone — whether it’s just a day of fun or a week of camping.”
For more information on Aroostook State Park, call 768-8341.
