Ionia State Recreation Area will host its second annual Fall Harvest Festival with a "Back to Nature" theme Sept. 26-27.

Campers and park visitors will have the opportunity to learn about some of the green initiatives being implemented in state parks and recreation areas, and start "going green" themselves while participating in harvest festival activities.

A variety of events will take place, beginning with a nature hike at 4:30 p.m. Friday, followed by a visit from Smokey Bear. Campers and park visitors can join Smokey around a campfire to talk about forest fires and fire safety. There will be goodies, games and a special treat.

Activities will begin at 1:30 p.m. Saturday with a horse parade put on by the Ionia Horse Trail Association. Many other fun events will include a pumpkin decorating contest, costume contest, campsite decorating contest, trick-or-treating, sack races, and much more. Campers can begin decorating their sites as early as they want.

All of the contests will be judged by park visitors. Ballots for the site decorating contest will be collected on Saturday at 4:30 p.m., and prizes will be awarded. Supplies will be provided for all events except the site decorating, and campers are encouraged to bring treats to pass out for the trick-or-treating.

All events are free and for all ages, and various refreshments will be provided. So "GO-Get Outdoors" and appreciate the beauty of the fall season in one of Michigan's beautiful state parks.

Ionia State Recreation Area is located at 2880 W. David Highway, approximately three miles north of I-96 at Exit 64, and four miles south of Ionia. The park's modern campground has 100 sites, and the rustic equestrian campground has 49 sites. Camping reservations can be made on-line at www.midnrreservations.com or by calling 800-447-2757.

For information about this event, the park, or accessibility at the park, contact Park SupervisorTed Kessler at 616-527-3750 (or TTY/TDD711 Michigan Relay Center for the hearing impaired), or visit the Web site at www.michigan.gov/ionia.

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