Beach bonfire, hayride to benefit state park playground.

Beach bonfire, hayride to benefit state park playground.

HAMLIN TOWNSHIP — Enjoy a horse-pulled hay ride, a beach bonfire, doughnut holes, apple drink, music and fresh October air at Ludington State Park Saturday, Oct. 14 from 4 t0 7 p.m. in a family-friendly benefit for the Friends of Ludington State Park playground project.

Donations will be accepted for the event centered at the Lake Michigan beach house. There is no set admission fee, however a Michigan Recreational Passport is required to enter the park with your vehicle.

Ron Soberalski will use his team of horses to pull the wagon on the hayride through the park’s campground. Cops and Doughnuts will donate the doughnut holes. Apple juice will also be on hand.

A bonfire will be on the beach near the beach house to enjoy the late fall afternoon and await the sunset. Inside the beach house, a fire place will be going, if weather warrants, and music by Mike Lenich will add to the ambience.

Funds raised will go towards the family-friendly, highly accessible playground planned for the Hamlin Lake picnic area. Friends of Ludingotn State Park is trying to raise the needed $180,000 to build the playground. If enough funds are received by early 2018, construction would be scheduled for June.

Donations can also be made online at https://mason-foundation.org/ under the donate tab. Look for Friends of Ludington State Park playground fund.

Learn more about the playground, the Friends of Ludington State Park and enjoy one of the premier parks in Michigan in its fall finery at the family fun fundraiser Oct. 14 from 4 to 7 p.m.