MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ — The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks and Recreation offer special programming at Trailside Nature & Science Center during the Presidents’ Day weekend, Feb. 13 to 16.
• Sunday, Feb. 15, at 5 p.m.: Disney’s sing-along version of “Frozen” will be shown outdoors on the big screen. Surrounded by campfires, families are invited to enjoy hot chocolate as they watch the popular children’s movie. Arrive early at 4 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. Visitors are also invited to join in a Twilight Winter Walk with one of Trailside’s naturalists before the movie begins.
• Friday, Feb. 13, from 7:15 to 8:15 p.m. at Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside. Adults 18 years and older are welcome. Neill Hartley, of the American Historical Theatre, portrays F.D.R. in a fully staged historical presentation, which brings to life the background behind the president’s plea for the support of the Allies on Dec. 29, 1940, in the famous address that implored: “We must be an arsenal for democracy.”
• Saturday, Feb. 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.
• Saturday, Feb. 14, at 2:30 p.m., families will see how 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 per person for Union County residents.
• Monday, Feb. 16, at 1:30 p.m. is “Fantasy, Illusion and Magic.” Join Joe Fischer for a fast paced show of magic, audience participation, comedy and excitement. The matinee is recommended for ages 4 and older; admission is $5/person. Tickets go on sale at 1 p.m. before the matinee. No strollers will be allowed inside the auditorium.
• Monday, Feb. 16, at 2:30, “The Journey of Sap to Syrup” will be offered again for families recommended with children ages 5 and older.