ANDERSON Indiana State Parks offered a rain check of sorts, extending their New Year's Day First Day Hikes through Sunday.<\/p>\n
The change was made due to the weather forecast for Friday that included freezing rain changing over to rain.<\/p>\n
Several people,including Stacey Valentine, took advantage of a dry spell Friday afternoon to hike at the park .<\/p>\n
Valentine said she has participated in the First Day Hikes over the last couple of years and enjoyed the opportunity to just get outside.<\/p>\n
The hikes are popular at the park and normally draw a large crowd, but due to the pandemic the format was changed this year.<\/p>\n
Instead of a large group, hikers could go on their own schedule with groups limited to members of the same household to maintain social distancing.<\/p>\n
Stickers were available at the nature center that could be worn so hikers crossing paths could identify fellow participants and greet each other with a \"Happy New Year.\"<\/p>\n
First Day Hikes originated more than 20 years ago at Blue Hills Reservation, a state park in Milton, Mass. The program was launched to foster healthy lifestyles and promote year-round recreation at state parks.<\/p>\n
Follow Don Knight on Twitter @donwknight, or call 765-622-1212 ext. 204567.<\/p>\n
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