ESCANABA — The nation’s largest trapping and outdoor expo is coming to the U.P. State Fairgrounds from July 26th through July 28th. This convention will attract an estimated 8,000-10,000 visitors to the Upper Peninsula over the three days it is hosted in Escanaba. Visitors will descend upon Delta County and beyond to see their trapping heroes, trapping demonstrations, and to enjoy family fun for all outdoor enthusiasts. Many fans will also be in attendance to meet Marty Meierotto from the History Channel show Mountain Man. This is a one of a kind event that will be held in one of the most beautiful lakefront communities our nation has to offer.

While many of the attendees will be staying in the U.P. from other parts of the country, local residents are encouraged to visit the fairgrounds as well to enjoy this one of a kind experience. Demonstrations and activities will be laid out across the fairgrounds and will provide hours of enjoyment for everyone in the family.

Visit Escanaba is happy to be the presenting sponsor for this event and bring thousands of visitors to our community. The economic impact is significant for Delta County but it spills over into surrounding areas as well. Summer tourism is in full swing and with all the hotels full in Delta County during this event, visitors will fill up our surrounding communities as well. This provides a wonderful opportunity to show people from across the country how beautiful our area is and give them many reasons to visit again.

The event would not be possible without the U.P. State Fairgrounds which provides a perfect setting for the largest National Trappers Convention and Outdoor Expo in the land. The fairgrounds does an amazing job hosting this event and making sure all the needs of the convention committee are being met throughout the process. This is no doubt a major reason the National Trappers Association chose to return to Escanaba for 2018 after holding the convention on the fairgrounds in 2014. Representatives from the national association have cited the wonderful experience in 2014 as a major factor in returning to our area.

Local businesses also roll out the red carpet for this convention by posting welcome messages on their marquees and providing topnotch customer service with a smile to our visitors. Many merchants provide sponsorships and support for various actives during this event as well. Community leaders from every organization lend a hand to make this a special experience and showcase this region. This is a dynamic I have heard people refer to as “Yes-canaba” because of the amazing support our community provides for events and visitors.

I want to extend a huge thanks to all of the businesses and organizations that are supporting the National Trappers Convention next week at the U.P. State Fairgrounds.

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Robert Micheau is executive director of Visit Escanaba