Springbrook State Park near Guthrie Center is giving families a weekend of fun before summer ends and the kids head back to school.

On Saturday, August 12th, the park invites people to participate in a series of programs, fun, and food. The day will start at 9 a.m. with kayaking. Attendees will learn basic safety and paddling techniques before venturing out for a paddle on the lake. All equipment is provided, and children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. At 10 will be a craft program for kids at the gazebo. Participants will read “The Hungry Caterpillar,” and make their own caterpillars to take home.

In the afternoon, there will be a program teaching people about using GPS at 1 p.m., and a demonstration of an atlatl, an ancient hunting weapon, at 3 p.m. The main event is the smoker/Dutch oven contest and potluck at 6 p.m. Cooks from all around are encouraged to show off their skills with a smoker, grill, or Dutch oven. There are meat dish, side dish, and dessert categories and prizes for each, and you can enter all three categories.

Entries must be brought to the gazebo no later than 5:45 p.m. in order to be eligible. There is no cost for the event, though guests wishing to participate in the potluck must bring a dish to share.