ESCANABA — The Upper Peninsula State Fairgrounds has had a very productive 2019. The last half of 2019 saw another record-breaking year for the U.P. State Fair held in August. September was equally successful as the fairgrounds hosted the Annual U.P. Steam and Gas Show over Labor Day weekend, followed by the Great Lakes Timber Professionals Logging Expo.

The buildings and campgrounds have all been winterized. Most building are being utilized during the winter months as inside storage for a vast array of campers, recreational vehicles, and boats. The Ruth Butler Building has several events going on through the end of the year and well into 2020.

The last major event to be held on the U.P. State Fairgrounds occurs Friday, Dec 6, and Saturday, Dec 7, when the U.P Steam and Gas Association will hold its annual Christmas in the Village. This event will be held in the Antique Village, located in the southeast corner of the fairgrounds on 9th Ave.

The fairgrounds management team has recognized the opportunity for the fairgrounds to become more festive during the holiday season. The initial phase of these improvements was rolled out in the winter of 2018. This year, more lights and décor will be visible along North Lincoln Road for everyone to enjoy. Our plan is to add festive decorations every year with the long-term goal of having the entire fairgrounds decorated for the community to enjoy during the holiday season. The Escanaba DDA has donated holiday decorations this year and the continued support from the Convention and Visitors Bureau have jump started this exciting chapter for the U.P. State Fairgrounds.

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Jeff Wood is the facilities manager at the U.P. State Fairgrounds