Stearns County folks are invited to Take a Day OFF and spend it with family and friends on the Mississippi River Saturday, August 1.

Take a Day OFF is an outdoor family fun event filled with canoeing, fishing, nature hikes and more.

Two special canoe paddles will be lead down the river on a five mile excursion. To participate in the paddle you must register before 10:30 a.m. at the event. The first excursion begins at 10:30 and the second at 2:15 p.m.

Kids are encouraged to join in the fun in this year’s first ever 1K Trail Run/Walk hosted by BLEND Fit Kids Club Series. BLEND provides kids with opportunities to be active year-round in their local community.

Food will be available to purchase or families are welcome to bring their own lunch for a picnic. All proceeds go to a local non-profit, St. Stephen Sportsmen Club.

Take a Day OFF is organized by the Soil and Water Conservation District, Stearns County Parks and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. The event is from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at Stearns County Mississippi Park.