Muskallonge Lake State Park hosts sixth annual 'Rock On!' agate show Sept. 14-15
Michigan Department of Natural Resources sent this bulletin at 08/15/2013 09:00 AM EDT
Upper Peninsula DNR News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Aug. 15, 2013
Contact: Jim Dzelak, 906-658-3365 or Debbie Munson Badini, 906-226-1352
Muskallonge Lake State Park hosts sixth annual 'Rock On!' agate show Sept. 14-15
Muskallonge Lake State Park will host its sixth annual “Rock On! With Lake Superior Agates” rock show Saturday, Sept. 14 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 15 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Each year, “Rock On!” includes a variety of presenters, vendors and musical entertainment, and this year is no exception. Visitors are invited to view agate collections and displays, rock cutting and polishing, and learn about the formation of the coveted Lake Superior agate. The show provides an excellent learning opportunity as well as a chance to purchase specially made items from talented vendors.
“Rock On! has grown annually since its inception in 2008, and we anticipate that to be the case this year as well,” said Muskallonge Lake State Park Supervisor Jim Dzelak.
Karen Brzys from the Gitche Gumee Agate Museum in Grand Marais will talk about the formation of agates and the characteristics of a true agate for easier identification when combing the beaches of Lake Superior. Walter Loope, of the United States Geological Survey, will share reminders of the Nippising Great Lakes and the interesting rock formations left behind, including Chapel Rock (Pictured Rocks), Castle Rock (St. Ignace) and even portions of Muskallonge Lake. Terry Begnoche from the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum will provide a behind-the-scenes glimpse of three Edmund Fitzgerald expeditions, and “Tragedy and Triumph” along the shipwreck coast.
Northern Michigan University student intern Whitney Guillard will take guests on a treasure hunt as they learn how Lake Superior was formed and the types of rocks found on its shoreline. Jennifer Lasslett will lead a hike to the shore of Lake Superior and share tips on identifying agates and other Lake Superior rocks. Terry House and Dean McNeill will offer cutting and polishing demonstrations both days at campsite #97.
Local mushers will offer sled-dog demonstrations and information on the sport. They will also highlight the Tahquamenon County Sled Dog Race scheduled for Jan. 4, 2014, hosted by Muskallonge Lake State Park.
Local Department of Natural Resources wildlife biologist Kristie Sitar will display a variety of wildlife furs, and talk about wildlife habitats and living habits. Her display will be available for viewing near the bathhouse.
The children’s agate hunts, always popular for young attendees, are scheduled at noon and 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, and 12:30 p.m. on Sunday. Every child leaves with at least one agate or semi-precious stone. Hide-and-seek agate sandboxes will be located near the bathhouse. A variety of children’s crafts will also be offered throughout the day at the Camp Host Site #59.
Hailing from Engadine, acoustic guitarist Gordon Fergin will share his musical talent on both Saturday and Sunday. The Sunshine Band will also provide easy-listening music each day. Both of these music groups add a welcoming, comfortable element to the rock show.
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:
Chamberlin’s Ole Forest Inn, Curtis
Deer Park Lodge, Deer Park
Gitche Gumee Agate Museum, Grand Marais
Glass Bottom Shipwreck Tours, Munising
Grand Marais Outfitter, Grand Marais
Halfway Lake Resort, Deer Park
Oldies ’93 – WNBY, Newberry
Oswald’s Bear Ranch, Newberry
Rock Show Vendors
Snyder Drug, Newberry
Soo Locks Boat Tours, Sault Ste. Marie
Superior Hardware, Grand Marais
U.P. Graphics, Newberry
Winter Haven Motel, Deer Park
Admission to the show is free; however, a Recreation Passport, available for purchase at the park, 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 $11 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 ($30.50 annual; $8.40 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.