Department of Natural Resources state parks and recreation officials today announced the Ionia State Recreation Area and the Ionia Horse Trails Association are hosting a "GO-Get Outdoors" horseback-riding event June 28 to benefit the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. The 10-mile ride begins at 10 a.m. at Ionia State Recreation Area's horse trails.

"Our goal is to raise much-needed funds to help children who are stricken with cancer, sickle cell anemia, AIDS and other catastrophic illnesses," said Wendy Walker, the park volunteer coordinator for this event. "St. Jude's is a world leader in the fight against diseases, and they have made great progress because of the people who participate in and donate to such events as Saddle Up for St. Jude."

Participants are encouraged to sign up as many sponsors as possible prior to the ride. Sponsor sheets are available at Tom's Western Store in Ovid, and by contacting Wendy Walker at (517) 285-8583; e-mail: Wendy@IoniaHorseTrailsAssociation.com. In addition, all money spent on refreshments after the ride also will be donated to St. Jude's.

Ionia State Recreation Area is located at 2880 W. David Highway, west of Ionia. Camping reservations can be made online at www.midnrreservations.com or by calling 800-44-PARKS.

All motor vehicles entering a state park or recreation area must display a Motor Vehicle Permit, available for purchase at the park entrance. Cost is $24 for a resident annual and $6 for a resident daily. A nonresident annual is $29 and a nonresident daily is $8.