Corn dogs, elephant ears and bluegills -- an unusual combination to be sure, but those attending the 2007 Michigan State Fairs will have a chance to experience all three.

The bluegills though will not be edible. These may be caught and released at one of the fairs' busiest and most fun-filled attractions, the DNR Pocket Parks.

At both state fair locations, in Detroit and Escanaba, in the midst of the usual concrete and asphalt that line the midways, carnival rides and evening entertainment stages, fairgoers can escape to a small, green oasis, filled with trees and native flora, that showcases Michigan's world-class natural resources and outdoor recreational opportunities.

The DNR Pocket Parks have been a major attraction at the fairs since the late 1990s but each year they gain in popularity.

"I think people are pleasantly surprised to come across the park settings after walking around on hot concrete all day," said Bonnie Arthur, coordinator of the DNR's state fair activities in Detroit. "Many folks just wander in to recharge their batteries."

Once there, it is not hard to find something to see or do. Several permanent displays and many temporary ones are there to help educate citizens about Michigan's valuable natural resources.

But wandering around the Pocket Park is not the main attraction.

"Kids love the chance to catch a bluegill, shoot a pellet gun or hit an archery target," said Ann Wilson, Upper Peninsula Pocket Park coordinator. "We provide everything they need."

The outdoor shooting ranges (both archery and pellet gun) along with a good-sized fishing pond that's stocked with plenty of hungry fish are indeed major factors in the number of people who visit the Pocket Parks during the fair.

And come opening day, plenty of DNR staff and volunteers will be on hand to assist those first- or second-time shooters and anglers.

This year's Upper Peninsula State Fair, held in Escanaba, took place Aug. 13-19. The Michigan State Fair opens in Detroit just a few days later, Wednesday, Aug. 22, and runs through Labor Day, Sept. 3.

In Detroit, a main partner in events at the Pocket Park is the Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority, which has helped provide staff and interactive displays for several years.

"There is no more important mission for our agency than providing children with a quality experience that may spark their interest in outdoor recreation," said DNR Director Rebecca Humphries. "Many of our urban children don't have the same opportunities I did as a youngster. More and more research is revealing the importance of time spent outside. I hope our time here can trigger some positive emotions for these kids."

All activities at the Pocket Park are free once the fair admission price is paid.

The Detroit Pocket Park, is open from noon to 6 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, and from noon to 7 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Admission to the 2007 Michigan State Fair, Aug. 22 to Sept. 3, is $10 for adults, $5 for children 12 and under, children under 3 are free. The fair is open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Parking is $7.

No matter what day you come, you are sure to hear the cries of happy children as they demonstrate their newly found outdoor skills to family and friends.

Those corn dogs and elephant ears may taste good but when it comes to memories, it is the bluegill that is sure to please.