The Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) "No Child Left Inside" initiative continues even during the winter cold with the second annual "Winter Festival" at Chatfield Hollow State Park, Killingworth, that showcases outdoor winter activities for the whole family.

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.

The Festival is free and there is no registration or sign-up. Everyone is welcome to attend. Last year’s "Winter Festival" at Black Rock State Park in Watertown drew more than 500 adults and children.

Commissioner Gina McCarthy said, "Connecticut’s ‘No Child Left Inside’ initiative has gained national attention over the past two years and we encourage children and their parents to make their New Year’s resolution now to experience the outdoors together over the coming months. Don’t get discouraged by the cooler temperatures, winter is a great time to get outside, breathe some fresh air and enjoy hiking, snowshoeing, cross country skiing or bird watching in Connecticut’s scenic 137 state parks and forests."

"In addition to benefiting the physical health and spirit of adults and youngsters," Commissioner McCarthy said, "there is no greater gift you can give a young person than teaching them to appreciate nature and the outdoors, especially in the wintertime in New England."

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. The Great Park Pursuit family contest is a centerpiece of the initiative. Connecticut families follow clues as they tour seven different state parks and forests over a seven-week period. At each location they compete for prizes as they complete a variety of activities that may include hiking, fishing, canoeing, arts and crafts and more. The third annual Great Park Pursuit is scheduled to begin in spring, 2008.

For more information about the Great Park Pursuit or No Child Left Inside, contact the DEP Office of Communications at (860) 424-4100.

Details on Great Park Pursuit "Winter Festival" Events

The "Winter Festival" takes place Saturday, February 2, 2008 at Chatfield Hollow State Park, Killingworth. Come anytime between 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. for a day full of outdoor adventure. Activities will include all sorts of winter related activities and depending on the weather, may include snow tubing, ice skating, snowshoe races, hiking, wildlife tracking, ice fishing, letterboxing, demonstrations on winter camping, cooking demonstrations and a large bonfire with hot chocolate and a marshmallow roast.

As you prepare to be outside in severe cold weather, please remember the following: