BAZETTA - Friends of the Mosquito Lake State Park Campgrounds showed their support to servicemen and women and safety forces with an ''honor tree'' at the front entrance of the campgrounds.
The Friends kicked off the summer season with the dedication of the honor tree, decorating it with the pictures of military and safety personnel and holding a flag-raising ceremony with local Boy Scout troops 50 and 101.
Renee Hendrickson, vice president of the Friends, said the tree honors veterans and military personnel from various wars.
''It is for anyone who has served or is currently serving. We have quite a few wars represented,'' she said.
The campers decorated their campsites with a patriotic theme to honor those who have fought for the country. Prizes were awarded for best displays.
The honor tree will also be shown again on July 4 weekend.
Fact Box
Schedule
Events include Native American Culture Weekend June 22 to 24, Patriotic Weekend June 29 to July 4, Mardi Gras weekend July 13 to 15, Christmas in July craft show July 21, Pirates weekend Aug. 10 to 12, Country Western Day Aug. 18, Riding for the Park Sept. 14 to 16, and Halloween car show and craft show Sept. 30. All events are free.
Mary Gearhart, president of the Friends, said the tree honors special heroes.
An informational meeting about how to volunteer as a member of the Friends group will be held at 10 a.m. June 16 at the park offices.
A shelter house project is being planned. Donations are being sought to help finance a 30-foot-by-76-foot shelter with an enclosed kitchen and storage area to be used by the Friends and park naturalists for future events and programs.
Donations of labor and materials are also needed for the project. Checks may be made to Friends of Mosquito Lake State Park campgrounds, shelter house project, 1439 state Route 305, Cortland 44410.
Gearhart said the friends play an important role in the park system by promoting, supporting and protecting the integrity of the campgrounds.
"These events are not only set up to raise money but also to bring that extra something special to our camping families and the public," she said.
Volunteers can sign up to help at different events There is a 10-hour minimum per season requirement for members.
Throughout the summer, the state park naturalist free programs are held on weekends mainly in the camp amphitheater. Schedules available at www.ohiostateparks.org
A Safety Day for children will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 9 at the marina area.
In addition, there are activities at the Mosquito Lake Marina and activities for dogs at the dog park.
For information, call 330-360-7867 or 330-889-6074.