Storm doesn’t deter Fun Day fans
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
LADIES FIRST — Doing things with friends and family usually proves to be more fun than doing something alone. Such was the case for this trio of youngsters who joined forces, hanging on to each others’ sleds as they made their way down the large sliding hill at Aroostook State Park during Winter Family Fun Day festivities, held Feb. 25. As soon as they got to the bottom, they jumped up and hurried back to the top to do it over again, with laughter filling the air as they did so. Pictured from left are: Jadeyn Cain, 9, of Presque Isle; Cody Shaw, 12, of Houlton; and Connor Cain, 9, of Presque Isle.
PRESQUE ISLE — A winter storm did little to deter outdoor enthusiasts — including visitors from Maine to China — from attending the fourth annual Take It Outside Winter Family Fun Day, held Feb. 25 at Aroostook State Park.
Nearly 14 inches of snow fell overnight and continued into Saturday, leaving park officials wondering just how successful this year’s event would be. Worries were all for naught, with participation up this year, compared to the 2011 figures.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
HITTING THE TRAIL — Skiers of all ages took advantage of the many trails at Aroostook State Park on Feb. 25, as part of Winter Family Fun Day festivities. 
“When we opened at 10 a.m., we had a couple people show up. But by noon, we had a line of cars 20 deep waiting to get into the park. We had about 340 visitors, in addition to 37 volunteers this year. That’s up from last year’s 340 participants,” said Scott Thompson, park director.
Thompson said although 2011 weather was calmer, the day was actually much colder.
“Last year was a cold, miserable day. Saturday was much better, in spite of the snow,” he said. “Although we definitely didn’t need the snow — we had plenty to have a good time — the new snow made it fun. It made for great attendance.”
The weather did prevent ice skating on the lake and dogsled rides were cancelled.
“Lindy, from the kennel, had to cancel because of the storm. They couldn’t get out of their driveway in time to make it,” he said.
Thompson credited the many volunteers throughout the park who made the day possible.
“The food was wonderful. We had several cooks volunteer and the ladies of the Spragueville Homemakers Extension served soups, cookies, brownies and more. They hit a home run — those ladies have been to most of our Fun Days and are always very supportive of that part of the event. That portion of our event is very successful. The food’s wonderful. They have great recipes for tomato rice soup and corn chowder,” said the park director, who thanked Hannford and Grave’s Shop N Save for the hamburger and hotdogs and Wicked Joe’s Coffee for hot beverages.
The ice fishing demonstration was also a hit, as were the snowmobile tote sled rides.
“Joe Powers did the ice fishing demonstration on Echo Lake — just for educational purposes. Fred Haines’s tote sled met with a great deal of excitement too,” said Thompson.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
GETTING FITTED with snowshoes for the first time were a group of Chinese students currently studying at The University of Maine at Presque Isle. Assisting them during Aroostook State Park’s Winter Family Fun Day on Feb. 25 were: Andy Hutchinson of Wolf’s Neck State Park, standing at left, and Matt McGuire of Cobscook Bay State Park, kneeling at right. 
Skis and snowshoes were also available for use.
“We had the Maine State Parks’ equipment trailer, with 60-plus pairs of skis and over two dozen pairs of snowshoes. The trailer travels to various venues to promote outdoor activities,” he said.
“This is the first time we’ve been able to utilize our own equipment, where we didn’t have to rely so heavily on others (organizations such as the Nordic Heritage Center). This will help them (places like NHC) — the more people we get on skis, the more likely they’ll get a world-class caliber athlete,” said Thompson.
Local volunteer Dixie Shaw assisted skiers again this year.
“Dixie’s been here the past two or three years. She skis regularly and says the trails are the best they’ve been,” he said.
Volunteers included officials from other state parks.
“We had nature hikes, run by Andy Hutchinson of Wolf’s Neck State Park and Matt McGuire of Cobscook Bay State Park. We had quite a few individuals take part in the hikes, including 12 students from China currently attending UMPI. Some had never seen or played in snow before. Dr. Chunzeng Wang, of UMPI, brought the students and his family to the park to enjoy the day’s activities,” said Thompson.
JANPEN POIESZ has volunteered at the Aroostook State Park several times, assisting children and adults on the sliding hill — one of many Fun Day activities offered for all to enjoy. Here, Poiesz is pictured making her way back up the hill, after taking a trip of her own down the popular attraction.
The sliding hill was a huge success, especially for the younger crowd.
“We had children and adults sliding all day. The slide is one of our most popular attractions,” he said.
Jadeyn and Connor Cain, both 9, of Presque Isle, joined Cody Shaw, 12, of Houlton, for some fun on the hill. The trio found a way to ride down the slide together on separate sleds, by hooking arms and/or each others’ sleds.
“This isn’t my first time doing Fun Day activities,” said Connor.
“I’ve done this before too,” said Jadeyn.
“This isn’t my first year either,” noted Shaw.
Connor could be heard laughing as he tumbled off his sled as he neared the bottom of the hill.
“I wiped out,” said Connor, scrambling to get up so he could climb back to the top with his friends to do slide down again.
None of this would have been possible but for the many volunteers who helped clear snow in time for the day’s events.
“We were fortunate a crew from downstate came up the day before, stayed overnight. We were here at 5 a.m. plowing. Those individuals started showing up and packing down the trails. Alan Cleaves was out with the groomer packing trails. Joe Powers helped get things ready throughout the week, plowing and pushing back snowbanks,” Thompson said.
Thompson said he appreciated the state park staff that came north to help.
“They were definitely impressed with how the community came out and utilized our ‘Gem of the North’ and how impressive our winter program is,” said Thompson. “It’s all about diversity. When you’re dealing with the community, it’s all about the different types of people and their varied interests. We try to offer a little something for everyone.”
In keeping with that train of thought, Thompson said he’s always looking for new ideas for Fun Day festivities. He said he’s open to suggestions and welcomes public input.
“We’re already planning for next year. If there’s something someone would like to see take place or if someone wants to volunteer to demonstrate an activity or what have you, just get in touch with us,” said Thompson.
For more information about Aroostook State Park, offer a suggestion or to volunteer, call Thompson at 768-8341.
