Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s (DEEP) No Child Left Inside® initiative continues this winter with the seventh annual “Winter Festival” at Burr Pond State Park, Torrington.
The Winter Festival will take place Saturday, February 2 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a full range of winter outdoor activities for the whole family.
The Festival is FREE and there is no registration or sign-up. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Come out and enjoy a day full of outdoor adventure. Activities will include ice fishing, fish fry, snowshoeing, tracking, ice safety rescue demonstrations by the Torrington Fire Department, visits from Resources in Search and Rescue and DEEP’s Environmental Conservation Police Canine Unit, and a bonfire complete with a marshmallow roast and storytelling.
“Join your family and friends at DEEP’s Winter Festival – which has come to be a tradition—that introduces you to the winter wonderland in Connecticut. Try your hand at ice fishing , watch ice safety demonstrations and say hello to DEEP’s EnCon Police Canine Unit, a treat for all festival visitors,” said Daniel C. Esty, Commissioner of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. “Whether you are an avid winter enthusiast or taking the first step into Connecticut’s wintertime landscape, you will learn what Connecticut’s state parks have to offer for your own adventure down the road.”
Visit No Child Left Inside® at www.nochildleftinside.org to learn more and visit Burr Pond State Park at www.ct.gov/deep/stateparks for directions.
Tips on Dressing for Cold Weather
As you prepare to be outside in severe cold weather, please remember the following:
Mittens provide more warmth to your hands than gloves.
Most of your body heat is lost through your head so wear a hat, preferably one that covers your ears.
Dress in warm layers so you can remove items if you get too warm.
Recognize the symptoms of hypothermia that can be a serious medical condition: confusion, dizziness, exhaustion and severe shivering. Seek medical attention immediately if you have these symptoms.
Recognize frostbite warning signs: gray, white or yellow skin discoloration, numbness, waxy feeling skin. Seek medical attention immediately if you have these symptoms.
Wear waterproof, insulated boots to help avoid hypothermia or frostbite by keeping your feet warm and dry and to maintain your footing in ice and snow.
Get out of wet clothes immediately and warm the core body temperature with a blanket or warm fluids like hot cider or soup. Avoid drinking caffeine or alcohol if you expect you or someone you are trying to help has hypothermia or frostbite.
