February 1, 2008

 

Third Annual Antrim County Petoskey Stone Festival Slated for May 24th

The Antrim County Planner's Office announced today that the third annual statewide Petoskey Stone Festival, sponsored by the Antrim County Parks & Recreation Advisory Board, will be held on Saturday, May 24th, 2008.

The event, which annually draws a crowd of thousands, celebrates one of Michigan's finest natural resources - the unique Petoskey stone, Michigan's official state stone.

The first fossil to be designated (1965) as an official symbol of any state in the nation, true Petoskey stones, actually fragments of an ancient Great Lakes Devonian reef, are found only in northern Michigan.

"The Petoskey Stone is an integral part of northern Michigan's history, both geologically and culturally, as well as one of our most valuable natural resources," said Joe Meyers, Antrim County Associate Planner. "Antrim County is located in the heart of the finest Petoskey Stone country, so it seems very fitting that we celebrate this very unique and beautiful stone."

To be held on Saturday, May 24th at Antrim County's beautiful Barnes Park along the shores of Grand Traverse Bay in Eastport, the day's planned festivities, which begin at 10 a.m., will include a Petoskey Stone hunt, with categories and prizes for both children and adults; early morning Children's Stone Skipping Contest; demonstrations on Petoskey stone cutting, polishing and jewelry-making; as well as creating other works of art from the Petoskey Stone and Michigan's other treasured rocks and minerals.  

In addition, children can fish for trout at the Bellaire Conservation Club's outdoor trout pond; watch a live demonstration of police dog work conducted, by Antrim County Deputy Snyper and his handler, Deputy Travis Chellis; and laugh at the antics of Tommy Tropic and Aldo the Clown.

Visitors to the festival, which is free to the public, will also be able to browse through booths of selected Petoskey Stone and Michigan gemstone vendors from all over the state; have their own stones cut and polished by stonecutting professionals; meet and talk with some of northern Michigan's best-known authors and natural resources authorities; and enjoy northern Michigan foods, music and entertainment.

"We are actively encouraging the involvement of anyone interested in this event, which is becoming a "must-see" for everyone in the state of Michigan," said Meyers.

More information on the festival is available at: http://www.petoskeystonefestival.com