GREAT LAKES, GREAT TIMES, GREAT FUN AT THE FAIR!! LANSING--Families and children of all ages will have the opportunity to experience Michigan's natural wonders first- hand when they visit the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Pocket Park at the 2000 Michigan State Fair. A green oasis within the Fairgrounds, the two-acre Pocket Park, which made its successful debut in 1998, tempts families to have fun while exploring outdoor adventures typical of Michigan's world-class natural resources. "The Pocket Park is a substantial effort to bring Michigan's hunting, fishing and outdoors heritage and opportunities to the residents of our state's largest urban area," said DNR Director K.L. Cool. "Through this exhibit, we hope to encourage families and individuals to visit our state parks and forests, learn more about fishing and hunting, and seek out more ways in which they can participate in Michigan's great outdoors." During last year's Michigan State Fair, more than 150,000 people had the opportunity to catch a fish, practice their shooting skills at the archery and pellet gun ranges, see live birds of prey and participate in a number of hands-on activities especially aimed at children. More than 15,000 people--kids and adults--gave fishing a try at the 17-foot-deep, mitten-shaped pond. Stocked with 5,000 hybrid sunfish, the pond provided nonstop fishing action all day long. "There were times when the kids were averaging more than a fish a minute," said fishing instructor Ken Dodge, the DNR's Urban Fishing Coordinator. Nearly 14,000 kids and adults also passed through the pellet gun and archery ranges. Many had never held a gun or bow. "Giving these kids a chance to shoot a gun or a bow, takes the mystery out of it," said Sgt. Larry Sargent, DNR Conservation Officer and Hunter Education Field Coordinator. "They'll have less of change of getting in trouble with them later on--the mystery is gone." The DNR Pocket Park will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. during the 14-day run of the Fair. The 2000 Michigan State Fair, August 22 through September 4, is open daily, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Admission is $9 for adults, $2 for children 11 and under, children under 2 are free. Parking is $5. The DNR Pocket Park is located on the Fairgrounds near the Big Stove, and admission to the Pocket Park is free once you pay the State Fair admission fee. For more information on the daily schedule of activities planned for the DNR Pocket Park, visit the DNR Web site at www.dnr.state.mi.us.
Source: MDNR
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