Activities and events for everyone will be offered at the Bay City State Recreation Area on Saturday, Feb. 18, as the Department of Natural Resources hosts Free Fishing Weekend and the Winter Project GO Get Outdoors weekend.

The recreation area’s Winter Festival will cover both events, with activities starting at 9 a.m. A youth fishing clinic begins at 9 a.m. for children 15 and younger. Participants will learn to build a fishing pole, how to rig it and make a lure. An ice fishing derby starts at 10 a.m. Bait and loaner fishing poles will be provided. Pre-drilled holes for ice fishing will be offered to all children participating.

Winter Festival will offer activities for all ages, including wildlife demonstrations, hikes, an introduction to orienteering, snow snake competitions, a treasure dig, a candlelit ski/walk, and an owl calling hike. For a complete schedule, visit the Saginaw Bay Visitor Center page on the DNR Web site at www.michigan.gov/dnr. Click on Visitor Centers, Museums and Historic Sites listed under Recreation and Camping.

“Winter Festival gives us a chance to really showcase the recreation area and outdoor activities that families can enjoy in the winter,” said Park Interpreter Valerie Blaschka. “I encourage area families to join us for a fun-filled day, especially those families who have never visited the Bay City State Recreation Area.”

Admission to the recreation area is free on Feb. 18 for Project GO participants.

For more information, call or stop by the Saginaw Bay Visitor Center at the Bay City State Recreation Area at (989) 667-0717.