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CHAMPION -- One group kicked off the new year bright and early with a resolution. The first annual Shoe Year's Day event brought some people out to Van Riper State Park in Champion on Sunday.

Young and old snowshoed across the park, warming up with some hot cocoa and nutritious snacks afterward. The event is put on by the Department of Natural Resources, and it was a statewide initiative to get people active in the new year. The DNR plans to have many more snowshoeing and cross-country skiing events in the coming winter months. In fact, their next event at the park is Jan. 21--it's a candle lit trail snowshoeing adventure.

"It's great, practically free; you get your $10 recreation passport and it's good all year, and then all of our facilities besides that are free. Getting people active starting out the new year fresh with a resolution being outdoors, getting healthy and active," said Brittany Vandenbosch, program assistant of the Western U.P. District.

If you don't have the right equipment, they say not to worry. Northern Michigan University donates snowshoes to the park.

For more information, visit the DNR's website.