The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection sixth annual “Winter Festival” at Black Rock State Park, Watertown, is Saturday, Feb. 4, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a full range of winter outdoor activities for the whole family. Fish stocking at noon, ice fishing (weather permitting, of course), a fish fry, snowshoeing, tracking, ice safety rescue demonstrations by the Watertown Fire Department, winter survival skills, winter painting with artists from Weir Farm, visits from Search and Rescue and Connecticut Horse Council's (CHC) Volunteer Horse Patrol, plus a bonfire complete with a marshmallow roast and storytelling.

The CHC Volunteer Horse Patrol members work to protect, monitor and expand the network of open lands available for trail riding throughout the state. Volunteers must pass a physical assessment and go through training on rules and regulations of state parks and forest trails that they are assigned to patrol.
Other CHC skills include public relations, trails etiquette, communications, first aid and CPR. The program is based on the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Mounted Patrol Program and the National Park Service's Volunteers in Parks program (VIP).

The aroma of warm cinnamon rolls or freshly-baked breads – just part of the draw at Dudley Farm Farmers' Market's first (heated and indoor) winter event of 2012 on Saturday, Feb. 4, 9 a.m. to noon, in the yellow Munger Barn. Fresh eggs, handmade crafts, jams and jellies, naturally-raised meats, pickles and winter vegetables, too. The farm has ample level parking and is located at the junction of Route 77/Route 80 in North Guilford, Conn. Call (860) 349-3917 or visit www.dudleyfarm.com.

Before electricity and refrigeration (and recently, during power outages) the harvesting and storage of frozen blocks of water were a vital part of life in New England. Nowadays we all easily reach for this natural resource without a worry as to its availability, but ice wasn't always a nuisance or taken for granted.
“Ice For Sale” is a special free program of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental (DEEP) on Saturday, Feb. 4, 10:30 a.m. to noon, at Kellogg Environmental Center, Derby.

Bob McClellan from the Great Burnside Ice Company in East Hartford will discuss the history of ice harvesting, storage and trade. Activities and refreshments will be provided. Call (203) 734-2513 for more information.

Sometimes there's snow – and other years none at all for the Lyman’s Annual Winterfest in Middlefield. Dates are Feb. 25 and Feb. 26 for the ice sculpting, wagon rides and other col-weather events. Call ahead to confirm activities, (860) 349-6043. In past years we've met dog sled teams and igloo builders at this free and family-friendly weekend. Don't miss the opportunity to savor the fresh (made daily) cider donuts inside the Apple Barrel Country Store.

And coming up, a new Rock and Ice Festival at the Brownstone Exploration and Discovery Park in Portland, Conn., set for Feb. 18 through Feb. 22. This is the site where the tons of brownstone were quarried. An ice fishing derby, Feb. 26 and 27, has a top $1,500 prize purse. Gear will be available for use for the derby. Admission, $9; $28 for derby participants with advance registration required.

Note: The sleigh rally at Old Sturbridge Village has been cancelled due to the lack of snow cover; and may be rescheduled. For information call (800) 733-1830.