The Maine Department of Conservation and the Maine Recreation and Park Association have joined forces to host a series of outdoor recreation events this winter.

Under the banner of Gov. John Baldacci’s “Take It Outside” initiative, Maine families can enjoy sledding, cross-country skiing, and other outdoor events at many of Maine’s state parks.

The first programs will be held on Jan. 19 at Mt. Blue State Park in Weld and Aroostook State Park in Presque Isle.

Expert ski and snowboard instruction will be available at both venues and loaner equipment (except for ice skates) will be available. Participants are welcome to bring their own equipment.

Each activity station will have a bonfire and complimentary hot beverages. Participants are invited to bring a lunch and spend the day.

Registration is just $5 and can be done at local recreation departments. Registration closes on Jan. 11.

Participating area recreation departments include Bangor, Brewer, Easton, Farmington, Mars Hill, Presque Isle and Washburn.

Sunday River plans ski classic

Actor and comedian Lenny Clarke will return to Sunday River in Newry on Jan. 25-27 to host his annual ski classic to benefit the Genesis Fund.

Participants will enjoy three days of skiing, two nights of lodging at the Grand Summit Hotel, receptions, a banquet a comedy show and more.

This is Sunday River’s third year as host of the event. Last year participants raised $100,000 for charity.

For more information on participating, call Kathleen Marchi at (781) 890-4282 or go to www.thegenesisfund.org.

Fly fishing show on tap

Fly anglers looking to fight the winter blues may want to consider a road trip later this month.

The Fly Fishing Show East returns to Marlborough, Mass, on Jan. 18-20 with exhibits and programs for all ages.

The show will be held at the Royal Plaza Trade Center. It runs from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Jan. 18, from 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. on Jan. 19 and from 9-4 on Jan. 20.

Adults pay $15 for one day, $25 for two days or $35 for a three-day pass. Children under 12 get in for $2 a day.

Among the attractions, attendees can get expert fly-tying instruction, meet authors of fly fishing books, learn to cast better and learn more about possible travel destinations.

For more information, go to www.flyfishingshoweast.com.

To submit an item for publication in the Outdoor Notebook, send e-mail to jholyoke@bangordailynews.net, fax to 990-8092 or mail information to Outdoor Notebook, Bangor Daily News, PO Box 1329, Bangor, ME 04402-1329.