IL State Park’s birthday bash commemorates Ohio parks’ 75 years 

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The band Flashback performed at the Indian Lake State Park amphitheater over the weekend as part of the 75th anniversary birthday bash. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)

Ohio State Parks is marking a major milestone this year, celebrating its 75th anniversary as a beloved designation for outdoor enthusiasts. 

Since its establishment in 1949 state parks have provided generations of visitors with opportunities to connect with nature, go camping, enjoy recreational activities and create lasting memories. 

To commemorate this significant anniversary, the Indian Lake State Park camp hosts planned a birthday party-themed weekend at the campground Saturday, July 27. 

“Campers at Indian Lake State Park enjoyed a delicious hog roast, courtesy of Indian Lake State Park’s amazing camp hosts who cooked up two generously donated pigs,” state park officials said.

Campers were treated to a hog roast at the birthday bash hosted by Indian Lake State Park Saturday. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)

The pigs were donated by Mingo Valley Farm and camp hosts Ron Burton and Rick Dunson spent 16 hours grilling the pigs. 

The pulled pork sandwiches paired with coleslaw, baked beans and birthday cake was provided to campers. 

A highlight of the birthday party was the foam machine, which added an extra layer of fun to the festivities, and the band Flashback brought their energetic performance to the amphitheater. 

“It was a wonderful birthday bash celebration weekend,” officials said in a release. 

The 2024 camp hosts are Greg and Vicky Arndts, Ron and Valerie Burton, Ron, Gloria and Jason Casebolt, Bill and Jackie Cozart, Rick Dunson, Bob and Sandy Goodwin, Leslie Jackson, Steve and Karol Jones, Maggie Lohr, Marlene Mitsch, Brad and Sandy Osborne, and Harold and Linda Rothery.

A foam machine was a highlight of the Ohio State Parks’ birthday party at Indian Lake State Park Saturday. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)

To learn more about amenities and recreational activities offered at Indian Lake visit https://ohiodnr.gov/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/indian-lake-state-park

To learn more about Ohio State Park’s camp host program visit https://ohiodnr.gov/buy-and-apply/support-odnr/volunteer-odnr/ohio-state-park-campground-hosts