Winter Festival Will Offer Outdoor Activities

For All Ages At  Black Rock State Park

WATERTOWN — The Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) “No Child Left Inside” initiative will continue next month with the third annual Winter Festival. This year’s festival will be at Black Rock State Park.

The Winter Festival will take place Saturday, February 7, from 10 am to 3 pm, with a full range of winter outdoor activities for the whole family. Admission is free and there is no registration or sign-up. Last year’s Winter Festival, at Chatfield Hollow State Park in Killingworth, drew more than 1000 adults and children.

“DEP’s Winter Festival has been a huge success with Connecticut families over the past few years,” said DEP Commissioner Gina McCarthy. “It goes to show how hungry families are to get their kids outside for some plain old fashioned wintertime fun.  Whether you want to try your hand at ice fishing, snow-shoeing or simply enjoy the warmth of a bonfire [with marshmallows to roast and storytelling], the Winter Festival is just the right remedy to banish those wintertime blues.

“Plus there is nothing greater than discovering the wonders of a New England winter  together as a family outside enjoying all that it has to offer,” added the commissioner.

In addition to the abovementioned, activities will include map and compass use, tracking, ice safety rescue demonstrations, and visits from CT Canine Search and Rescue and The CT Horse Council Volunteer Horse Patrol. A concession stand will also be available for food and beverage purchases.

The festival will be presented outdoors, so parents are strongly reminded to dress themselves and their children for being outside. Hats, mittens, waterproof and insulated boots, and layered clothing are imperative.

No Child Left Inside is a statewide initiative launched by Governor Rell in 2006 to reconnect youngsters with the outdoors, showcase Connecticut’s state parks and forests, and encourage a new generation of environmental stewards. For more information contact the CT Department of Environmental Protection at 860-418-5981.