Interlochen State Park will host its 5th annual John Griffin Memorial Car Show Aug. 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the day-use parking lot. Local businesses have donated prizes that will be awarded to the most popular cars based on spectator vote.

Drivers of all types of cars - old and new - are invited to display their vehicles. To register, call the park at 231-276-9511. All owners of pre-registered cars will receive a free hot dog lunch.

Special guests Smokey Bear and staff from the DNR's Forest Resources Division also will be at the event to check out the cars and display their firetrucks, fire equipment and free fire prevention materials.

The car show was started in 2009 by park ranger John Griffin, who loved classic cars. After Griffin passed away in the fall of 2012, other Interlochen State Park staff took over planning of the event and renamed it in his memory.

Interlochen State Park is at 4167 M-137 in Interlochen (Grand Traverse County), located on Green Lake and Duck Lake. It offers a swimming beach, play equipment, nature trails, a park store stocked with food and beverages, camping and more. Visit www.midnrreservations.com to check camping availability, and learn more about the park at www.michigan.gov/interlochen. There is no charge to attend the car show but a Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry to Interlochen State Park.

The Recreation Passport is an easy, affordable way for residents to enjoy and support outdoor recreation opportunities in Michigan. By checking "YES" for the $11 Recreation Passport ($5 for motorcycles) when renewing a license plate through the Secretary of State (by mail, kiosk, online at www.expresssos.com or at branch offices), Michigan motorists get access to state parks, recreation areas, state forest campgrounds, nonmotorized state trailhead parking and state boat launches. The Recreation Passport is valid until the next license plate renewal date. Nonresidents can purchase the Recreation Passport ($31 annual; $9 daily) at any state park or recreation area or (annual passes only) through the Michigan e-Store at www.michigan.gov/estore.

Learn more about this creative way of sustaining Michigan's outdoor recreation and natural resources at www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state's natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.

Contact: Christopher Stark, 231-276-9511 or Ed Golder, 517-284-5815