It hasn't happened since 1978, but the Wisconsin State Park system announced the area's new State Park. Lakeshore State Park, located just east of the Henry Maier Festival Grounds, celebrates their new State Park status and summer fun with the Gathering Waters festival next Saturday.

Whether you're a lover of water, music, art or activity, the Gathering Waters Festival intends to familiarize you with Milwaukee's great new lakefront green space and have a little fun in the process.

Where: Lakeshore State Park, a 17 acre man-made island located just east of the Henry Maier Festival Grounds

Hours: Saturday, June 13 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission: The event is free and open to the public.

It's easy to bring the whole family with activities for kids and adults alike. Kids can participate in the REI PEAK Program, take canoe or kayak lessons and have their bike and helmet inspected. There'll be kite flying, native seed planting, scout activities and mobile art creation stations.

Entertainment includes the interactive percussion and drumming group, One Drum, as well as folk and shanty sounds from David Drake.

Local artists will paint rain barrels donated by the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewer District (MMSD). The rain barrels will be on sale with profits going to support Lakeshore State Park.

Several boats and vessels dock for a visit including research vessels like the Neeskay, Peligos, Gaylord Nelson, DNR Boomshocker and the Milwaukee Riverkeeper. You can also check out search and rescue operations from the Milwaukee Police and Fire Departments or catch a ride on a pontoon provided by Performance Yacht.

Go green and take advantage of bike trails, trolley service and bus routes taking you straight to the park. Check the Gathering Waters Web site for details.