PENFIELD – Officials at the Parker Dam State Park have announced the program schedule for January.
Thursday, Jan. 1
First Day Hike
2 p.m. – Lou and Helen Adams CCC Museum
Join us on the first hike of the New Year, as we traverse the CCC Trail and learn a little about the park’s history. It’s about a two-mile trek over easy terrain. If there is significant snow, this will become a snowshoe hike – we’ll supply the snowshoes. This hike is a part of a national campaign of First Day Hikes across the country to promote healthy lifestyles and year-round use of America’s state parks.
Sunday, Jan. 4
Full Moon Walk
6 p.m. – Environmental Education Classroom
There is a full moon tonight, come get a really good look at it (if the weather cooperates) and walk along in its glow. You will learn a little about the moon and the stories that have been being told about it for ages. It will be an even more memorable experience should there be snow on the ground as well. If the sky is clear, there is no need for lights, please don’t bring them along.
Saturday Jan. 10
Winter Hike
2 p.m. – Environmental Education Classroom
Winter hiking is a great way to see wildlife and experience the forest in a whole new way. Come take part in National Winter Trails Day by enjoying a walk along one of the park’s beautiful trails. Which trail will depend on the amount of snow and whether or not we can use the park’s snowshoes. The hike will not be more than two miles in length. Please dress appropriately for the weather.
Saturday Jan. 20
Winter Night Sky
6 p.m. – Environmental Education Classroom
Come learn your way around the winter night sky. Things will look a little different than when you gazed up at the sky while sitting around your summer campfire. Learn why it’s different now and about all of the interesting objects that you can see in winter. Please be prepared to be outside– it will be cold.
Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 24-25
Winter Family Festival, Sponsored by the Clearfield YMCA
The festival starts on Saturday with a Snowmobile Fun Run, and the opening of the YMCA’s Beach House concession. Other tentative activities include a Blizzard Volleyball Tournament, Ice Fishing Basics, Learn to Ice Skate, and Snowshoeing. Many activities are snow and ice dependent. Sunday, the festival gears up again with Ice Harvesting demos, Snow Box Derby, Snowshoe Treks, Frozen Salami Sling, Winter Birding, Cross-country Ski Basics, Snowman Contest, and other activities. Popular events include: Almost Naked Mile Run at 3 p.m. and Polar Bear Swim at 4 p.m., which concludes the event. Check for other event times closer to the date scheduled.
Sledding, Ice Skating, and Cross-country Skiing at Parker Dam
When conditions allow, a sled riding area, an ice skating rink, and several groomed cross-country ski trails are maintained at the park. Check the “Parker Dam State Park” Facebook page or the “Winter Report” at www.visitPAparks.com to learn of snow and ice conditions and the availability of winter facilities.
You can keep up on what’s happening at the park by liking “Parker Dam State Park” on Facebook; and, you can find more information about state park programs and special events by logging on to the Bureau of State Parks website at www.VisitPAParks.com, and clicking on “Calendar of Events.”