Staff photo by Fritz Busch Children age 8 and older participate in a beginning archery program at Flandrau State Park Saturday. From left, Nora Hemmesch of Mankato, partially hidden; Bentley Steffen and Amika Alonzo, both of New Ulm. Certified archery instructor and DNR Interpretive Naturalist Kelsey Moe said afternoon sessions were filled prior to the event.

NEW ULM — Children age 8 and over got a free hands-on lesson in the sport of archery near the Flandrau State Park front entrance Saturday.

The free program did not require a Minnesota State Parks Vehicle Permit because Saturday, June 8 was Free Park Day.

Certified archery instructor and Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Area Interpretive Naturalist Kelsey Moe said the program was designed for beginners.

Provided equipment included bows, arrows and targets. Personal archery equipment is not allowed. Participants are asked to bring water, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, and bug spray, if desired.

Archery sessions were offered from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 2-3:30 p.m. In case of rain, the program will be cancelled.

Archery programs will be held on later dates this summer. Visit https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/events.html for more information.

To register, please email Kelsey.m.moe@state.mn.us at least 2 days prior to the program.. Once registered, details and instructions will be sent by email.