June 1, 2011

Grab the grass skirts and ukuleles and head for the third annual luau at Aloha State Park on Saturday, June 11. This year's fun starts at noon, with this annual event attracting both campers and area residents to the park's sandy lakeshore beach along Mullett Lake. The park is located at 4347 Third St. in Cheboygan.

Children's activities from noon to 4 p.m. include a bounce house and free golf lessons provided by the Indian River Golf Club.

Stay for the pig roast from 4 to 6 p.m. followed by a performance by the award-winning Petoskey Steel Drum Band from 6 to 7:30 p.m. A $5 donation for dinner will benefit the Cheboygan County Fireman's Association to help fund firefighter training and the purchase of equipment. Children 8 years old and under eat for free.

"The sponsors of the luau, Fernelius Auto Group and Black River Customs, have really pulled through to help make this community event at Aloha State Park happen. We appreciate their support for this fun event which will ultimately help support the Cheboygan County Fire Departments and all they do to protect our community," said Jeremy Spell, unit supervisor of Aloha State Park. For details, call the park at 231-625-2522.

A Recreation Passport is required for vehicles entering Aloha State Park. 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.