MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks and Recreation are pleased to offer special February Festivities programming at Trailside Nature & Science Center during the Presidents’ Day holiday weekend, February 13-16, 2015.
“All of the programs during February Festivities give families an opportunity to enjoy creative and interactive programs that will teach, entertain and delight adults and children of all ages,” said Freeholder Chairman Mohamed S. Jalloh. “Union County is committed to providing affordable family fun at our facilities.”
Featured for FREE this year on Sunday, February 15 at 5:00 p.m. is a showing of Disney’s sing-a-long version of “FROZEN” outdoors on the big screen. Surrounded by campfires, families are invited to enjoy hot chocolate as they watch this popular children’s movie. Arrive early at 4:00 p.m. to watch Kathy Murarik, of the New Jersey Sled Dog Club demonstrate the working skills of her sled dog team. Visitors can watch as her dogs are hitched to a sled specially modified for New Jersey terrain. The New Jersey Sled Dog Club (NJSDC) was formed in 1978 by approximately 30 state residents who raced dogs. One of the purposes of the club was to conduct sled dog events in the local area and to educate the public about the sport. Another function of the club is to offer educational programs informing the public about sled dogs, their history, function, breed types, equipment and famous races such as the Iditarod. Visitors are also invited to join in a Twilight Winter Walk with one of Trailside’s naturalists before the movie begins. Discover which animal neighbors are waking up as the sun goes down in winter. Look and listen for signs of resident birds and mammals.
Kicking off the holiday weekend on Friday, February 13 at 7:15 -8:15 p.m. for adults, ages 18 and older, is a re-enactment
entitled “Franklin D. Roosevelt.” The date is December 29, 1940, Franklin Roosevelt has just been re-elected to an unprecedented third term in office. The world is in crisis. Europe and America may soon be drawn into war. Learn what President Roosevelt was thinking. Listen to his plea for the support of our Allies. Neil Hartley portrays F.D.R. in a fully staged historical presentation that brings to life the background behind the famous address that implored: “We must be an arsenal for democracy.” This program is sponsored in part by the New Jersey Council for Humanities. There is no fee for this program; however, donations are appreciated.
On Saturday, February 14, at 1:15 p.m. families can find out what turtles and snakes have in common and where they go for the winter months. Meet live snakes and turtles from Trailside’s reptile collection.
At 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, families will see how 100% real maple syrup is made from the sap of a sugar maple tree in “The Journey of Sap to Syrup.” Find out what equipment is needed to collect sap and take part in a taste test to see if you can identify the real thing. “The Journey of Sap to Syrup” and “Snakes and Turtles of NJ” are recommended for families with children ages 5 and older. The fee for these two programs is $5/person for Union County residents and $6/person for non-county.
Highlighting the festivities on Presidents’ Day, Monday, February 16 at 1:30 p.m. is “Fantasy, Illusion and Magic.” Join Joe Fischer for a fast paced show has the perfect blend of magic, audience participation, comedy and excitement. The matinee is recommended for ages 4 and older and admission is $5/person. Tickets go on sale at 1:00 p.m. before the matinee. No strollers in the auditorium please. At 2:30 on Monday, The Journey of Sap to Syrup will be offered again for families recommended with children ages 5 and older.
For additional information about programs offered during February Festivities or any upcoming programs and special events, please call 908-789-3670 or visit us at www.ucnj.org/trailside. Trailside Nature & Science Center is located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside and is a service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.