Muskallonge Lake State Park hosts annual agate show Sept. 13-14

Press Release

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Aug. 14, 2014

Contact: James Dzelak, 906-658-3338 or Debbie Munson Badini, 906-226-1352 

Muskallonge Lake State Park hosts seventh annual agate show Sept. 13-14

Muskallonge Lake State Park will host its seventh annual “Rock On! With Lake Superior Agates” rock show Saturday, Sept. 13, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 14, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

The show will feature a host of presenters, vendors and musical entertainment. Visitors are invited to view agate collections and displays, rock-cutting and polishing demonstrations and learn about the coveted Lake Superior agate. The show provides an excellent learning opportunity as well as a chance to purchase specially made items.

“We are looking forward to the many traditional aspects of the show from previous years, as well as some exciting new additions,” said Muskallonge Lake State Park Supervisor Jim Dzelak.

As in previous years, the weekend will feature a full presentation schedule, including Karen Brzys from the Gitche Gumee Agate Museum in Grand Marais, Michigan. Karen will introduce a new method of agate hunting that trains the brain and eyes to see the top agate characteristics. Terry Begnoche and Bruce Lynn from the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum will share glimpses of shipwreck history along the Lake Superior 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 Site 97.

Silversmith Wolf Runner will provide ongoing demonstrations on site 87 while local mushers share sled-dog demonstrations and information on the sport. They will also highlight the upcoming Tahquamenon Country Sled Dog Race Jan. 10, 2015, at Muskallonge Lake State Park.

Local Michigan Department of Natural Resources fisheries staff Corey Kovacs and Carl Christiansen will present information on local fish biology and management. Guests will be able to see live fish from Muskallonge Lake and learn about common equipment used in fish management.

One addition to this year’s presentation schedule is a presentation from the North Country Trail Association. Tim Hass, Superior Shoreline Chapter president, has been instrumental in rerouting the trail through Muskallonge Lake State Park, as a portion on the bluff of Lake Superior was lost due to erosion. He will share history of the trail, hiking techniques and proper equipment.

Among the favorite weekend activities are the Children’s Agate Hunts scheduled at noon and 2:30 p.m. Saturday and 12:30 p.m. Sunday. Every child who participates will leave 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.

Engadine’s own acoustic guitarist Gordon Fergin will share his musical talent both Saturday and Sunday. In addition, the Sunshine Band will provide easy-listening music each day. Both musical offerings 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 Rock On! show sponsors:

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 $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, nonmotorized state trailhead parking and state boat launches. The Recreation Passport is valid until the next license plate renewal date. Nonresidents can purchase the Recreation Passport ($31 annual; $9 daily) at any state park or recreation area or (annual passes only) 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.