Indiana’s Summit Lake SP to Host Festival of the Freezing Moon, Oct. 19-20

Summit Lake will host its sixth annual Festival of the Freezing Moon, Oct. 19-20, with activities that include kayaking, star gazing, pumpkin carving and a performance by a folk and bluegrass trio from—fittingly—Moonsville.

Friday will feature a moonlight kayak paddle on the lake and star gazing with Steve and Debbie Russell. The roughly two-hour moonlight paddle will tour coves along the lake’s south side. Paddlers must bring their own boats and have a 2012 DNR Lake Permit, life vest and flashlight. The Russells will bring their telescopes to share. People with telescopes are encouraged to bring theirs.

Saturday will include a chili cook-off, campsite decorating contest, and the annual pumpkin carving contest. Participants should bring their own pumpkins. The park will also have free, 30-minute interpretive hayrides. Diane Shaffer of Wildlife Resqu Haus will be at the park with birds of prey. Trick-or-treat in the campground will run from 4:30-6:30 p.m.

Saturday evening will conclude with Aloysius and the Stampede, a folk/bluegrass trio from the Madison County community of Moonsville. The band combines storytelling with roots music.

The events and concert are free, but the standard gate fee of $5 per in-state vehicle and $7 per out-of-state vehicle will be charged.

Camping on property that weekend is required to participate in the chili cook-off and the campsite decorating contest. All other events are open to the public.

For more information, call (765) 766-5873.

Summit Lake State Park is at 5993 N. Messick Road, New Castle, 47362.

Indiana Department of Natural Resources

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources is the agency of the U.S. state of Indiana charged with maintaining natural areas such as state parks, state forests, recreation areas, etc. There are many divisions within the DNR and each has a specific role. The DNR is not only responsible for maintaining resource areas but also manages Indiana's fish and wildlife, reclaims coal mine ground, manages forested areas, aids in the management of wildlife on private lands, enforces Indiana's conservation laws, and many other duties not named here. According to the department's website, their mission is "to protect, enhance, preserve, and wisely use natural, cultural, and recreational resources for the benefit of Indiana's citizens through professional leadership, management, and education."