The public is invited to attend a dedication ceremony to commemorate the official opening of the recently constructed Cedar River State Harbor. Set for June 9 at 6 p.m. CST, the dedication will take place at the new facility, which is located halfway between Escanaba and Menominee on Green Bay in the community of Cedar River.

The dedication will feature the State Waterways Commission, state and local officials and a special presentation by the Michigan Soybean Promotion Committee honoring the State Parks and Recreation Division’s Green Initiatives Program. The ceremony will be followed by a light supper of hot dogs and root beer floats.

Cedar River Harbor has been under construction for more than three years, but plans have been in the works to build a harbor at the mouth of the Cedar River for two decades. The establishment of this new harbor completes one of the last links in Michigan’s Harbor of Refuge Program. There is a harbor of refuge situated along all of Michigan’s shoreline so that boaters are within 30 miles of safe moorage, with the exception of the Cross Village area. The Cedar River State Harbor features 122 slips, half of which are available for seasonal rental and the other half for transient boaters. The harbor has 30- and 50-amp electrical service, water, showers, a dog run, boat launch, picnic tables, grills, gasoline, diesel and pump-outs. Cedar River is a small lakeside community with restaurants, a motel, convenience mart and bait shop all within walking distance. The area has long been renowned for its brown trout and walleye fishing and is directly adjacent to J.W. Wells State Park, which will oversee operations of the harbor.

"This is a beautiful harbor, offering the very latest in services and accommodations," said Christine Cope, manager of J.W. Wells State Park and Cedar River State Harbor. "We are excited to be opening it for public use and enjoyment."

Transient reservations can be made by calling 800-44-PARKS or online at www.midnrreservations.com. Contact the harbor directly for seasonal slip rentals at (906) 864-1040.