by Dennis Dalman
editor@thenewsleaders.com
An annual family-fun event, dubbed “Take a Day Off at the Mississippi River,” will again take place Saturday, July 30, at Stearns County Mississippi River Park.
The free event is set for 10 a.m.-4 p.m. rain or shine. The park is located seven miles north of Sartell along the River Road (CR 1).
There are many activities scheduled, including canoeing, a kids’ 1k trail run/walk, paddlesports, birdhouse-building, fishing, face-painting, archery and many educational booths where participants can learn about animals, insects and other critters, shoreline buffers, groundwater, invasive species and more.
A bus will be provided for anyone who wants or needs a ride to Stearns County Mississippi River Park. The bus will depart from the YMCA parking lot at 10:30 a.m. and return to the Y at 2:30 p.m. The bus is limited to 50 people, so call the Y at 320-253-2664 to reserve your spot.
Food will be available on-site to buy from the Axle Grill, but we encourage you to pack a healthy lunch.
For more information about the event, visit www.stearnscountyswcd.net/pages/TakeaDayOFF/.

A canoe loaded with children approaches the landing at Mississippi River Park north of Sartell during a previous “Take a Day Off on the Mississippi” family-fun day. The next “Day Off” is set for Saturday, July 30 at the same park.