May 31, 2011

Tawas Point Celebration Days, an annual Iosco County regional heritage celebration, will take place June 11-12 at Tawas Point State Park, located at 686 Tawas Beach Rd. in East Tawas. Events start at 10 a.m. both days.

The family-oriented event held each June on the grounds of the Tawas Point Lighthouse, includes historical and educational displays, period encampments, traditional music and old-time children's activities.

Watch demonstrations of spinning, weaving, blacksmithing, woodcarving and other traditional crafts or take part in the fishing derby, guided nature hike or lighthouse tour.

The event is free; however, there is a $2 fee to tour the lighthouse and a Recreation Passport is required for entry into the park. For details, call the Tawas Point State Park office at 989-362-5041.

The Recreation Passport has replaced motor vehicle permits for entry into Michigan state parks, recreation areas and state-administered boating access fee sites. This new way to fund Michigan's outdoor recreation opportunities also helps to preserve state forest campgrounds, trails and historic and cultural sites in state parks, and provides park development grants to local communities.

Michigan residents can purchase the Recreation Passport ($10 for motor vehicles; $5 for motorcycles) by checking "YES" on their license plate renewal forms, or at any state park or recreation area. Nonresident motor vehicles must still display a valid nonresident Recreation Passport ($29 annual; $8 daily) to enter a Michigan state park, recreation area or state-administered boating access fee site; these can be purchased at any state park or recreation area, or through the Michigan e-Store at www.michigan.gov/estore. To learn more about the Recreation Passport, visit www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport or call 517-241-7275.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state's natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.