Muskallonge Lake State Park to host annual agate show Sept. 15-16

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Aug. 20, 2012

Contact: Jim Dzelak, 906-658-3365 or Debbie Munson Badini, 906-226-1352

Muskallonge Lake State Park hosts fifth annual agate show Sept. 15-16

Get rockin’ at Muskallonge Lake State Park’s fifth annual “Rock On! With Lake Superior Agates” rock show, a two-day event taking place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 15, and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 16, at the park.

This year’s show will again feature a host of presenters, vendors and musical entertainment. Visitors are invited to view agate collections and displays, learn about rock cutting and polishing and agate formation. The show provides an excellent opportunity to learn about the coveted Lake Superior agates as well as purchase specially made items from talented vendors. “Last year’s show drew over 2,500 guests and was a great success. I anticipate it to be even better this year,” said Muskallonge Lake State Park supervisor Jim Dzelak.

A full presentation schedule will allow for a multitude of learning opportunities, including:

• Walter Loope, of the United States Geological Survey, will speak on ancient droughts in the eastern Upper Peninsula and how they have affected the area;
• Karen Brzys from the Gitche Gumee Agate Museum in Grand Marais, Mich., will share “The Story of Silica,” how oxygen and silicon combine to form agates;
  
• Terry Benoche from the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum will enlighten visitors with information on shallow shipwrecks in the Whitefish Point area, including the Edmund Fitzgerald;
• In light of the recent Duck Lake fire in Luce County, Michael Schira and Bradley Neumann of Michigan State University’s Public Education Services will provide “Firewise” information;
• Jennifer Lasslett will take visitors to the shore of Lake Superior for an agate walk to identify agates and other rocks; and
  
• Terry House and Dean McNeill will offer cutting and polishing demonstrations both Saturday and Sunday at Site 97.

An added feature of this year’s show will be demonstrations by local mushers from the Tahquamenon Country Sled Dog Race. They will share information on the sport and the upcoming January race at Muskallonge Lake State Park.

Children’s agate hunts are scheduled at noon and 2 p.m. on Saturday, and 12:30 p.m. on Sunday. The hide-and-seek agate sandboxes will be located near the presentation tent. A variety of children’s crafts will be offered throughout the day at Site 59.

Acoustic guitarist Gordon Fergin will share his musical talent both Saturday and Sunday. On Sunday, Ed and Augusta Birdsley of the Sunshine Band will provide easy listening music.

Muskallonge Lake State Park is located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula approximately 28 miles northwest of Newberry on Luce County Road 407. For show details or camping information, call 906-658-3338. 

Special thanks to this year’s sponsors:

Deer Park Lodge
First National Bank of St. Ignace, Newberry Branch
Glass Bottom Shipwreck Tours of Munising
Oldies ’93 - WNBY
Oswald’s Bear Ranch
Pine Stump Cook Shack and Drinkery
Pictured Rocks Boat Cruises
Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry
Soo Locks Boat Tours
Superior Hardware
U.P. Graphics
The Woods Canoe & Kayak Rentals
Chamberlin’s Ole Forest Inn
Winter Haven Motel
Snyder Drug of Newberry
Gitche Gumee Agate Museum

Admission to the show is free; however, a Recreation Passport is required for vehicles entering Muskallonge Lake State Park.

The Recreation Passport is an easy, affordable way for residents to enjoy and support outdoor recreation opportunities in Michigan. By checking “YES” for the $10 Recreation Passport ($5 for motorcycles) when renewing a license plate through the Secretary of State (by mail, kiosk, online at www.expresssos.com or at branch offices), Michigan motorists get access to state parks, recreation areas, state forest campgrounds, non-motorized state trailhead parking and state boat launches. In addition, Recreation Passport holders can experience real savings at businesses and retailers that participate in the Passport Perks discount program. The Recreation Passport is valid until the next license plate renewal date. Nonresidents can purchase the Recreation Passport ($29 annual; $8 daily) at any state park or recreation area or through the Michigan e-Store at www.michigan.gov/estore.

Learn more about this creative way of sustaining Michigan's outdoor recreation and natural resources at www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport. For information on Passport Perks shopping discounts or how businesses and retailers can enroll in the program, visit www.michigan.gov/passportperks.

---