ALPENA — Long Lake Campground and other areas around Long Lake are going to be busy as the 8th Annual Long Lake Lights Festival takes place Saturday.

From an early morning triathlon, to the grand finale of the fireworks, there are events and activities that will appeal to almost everyone.

Event Coordinator Mary Tolan said the festival continues to grow in popularity and has become a staple event each summer. She said it attracts people from all over the state and an early summer boost to businesses in the area.

“People are planning their vacations around it,” Tolan said. “The campground sells out the first day reservations can be made. It went from about 500 people when it started, to more than 2,000 now, so that helps bolster the local economy some.”

Tolan said there is a special kids zone that will be set up this year that will feature youth-friendly activities. She said there will be a bounce house set up and a lot of games. The cost of the kids zone is $10 for the entire day, Tolan said.

There also will be a petting zoo, face painting, an arts and crafts show and live entertainment beginning at 3 p.m. when Steve Rea will perform. At 7:30 p.m. local band D3ad by Monday will perform until 11 p.m.

The highlight of the day will be the fireworks show that will begin at dusk. It has become popular and the show has grown since the festival’s inception. Tolan said people watch it from the shore and there are many dozen of boats on the lake where people watch as well.

“It has become a must see and ends the festival with a bang,” she said.

Tolan said because of a shortage of parking people can park at Dodge Marina and a shuttle will transport people to and from the campground all day long.

Food and drink will be available for purchase from the Alpena Booster Club, with the proceeds going to support local youth sports and recreation.

For more information contact Tolan at 657-4726.

Steve Schulwitz can be reached via email at sschulwitz@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5689. Follow Steve on Twitter ss_alpenanews.