ESCANABA, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Anyone looking for a volunteer opportunity to help young people experience outdoor recreation should look no further than the Upper Peninsula State Fair.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is looking for mentors are needed to help staff the Pocket Park during the Aug. 12-18 Upper Peninsula State Fair in Escanaba. Activities volunteers assist with include helping kids catch and release bluegills in the U.P.-shaped pond, shoot pellet guns or bow and arrow, staffing the fire tower or greeting visitors.

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“Most folks who volunteer at the Pocket Park find it to be a very rewarding experience, with many returning to offer their help again this year,” said Kristi Dahlstrom, one of the DNR volunteer organizers. “The park attracts big crowds, which means we have a lot of available shifts for volunteers to fill.”

The DNR Pocket Park is a 1-acre site, located off U.S. Highway 2, within the fairgrounds. The park caters especially to youngsters who are seeking an outdoor adventure or to learn an outdoor skill. The DNR offers training for all volunteers.

Shifts during fair week include:

  • 5-8 p.m. Monday (fair opening day – Aug. 12).
  • 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. and 3:30-7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
  • Noon-3 p.m. Sunday (final day of the fair – Aug. 18).

The U.P. State Fair draws more than 100,000 visitors annually.

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