Column: U.P. State Fairgrounds gears up for 2021
ESCANABA — Contrary to last year’s U.P. State Fair slogan, 2020 was clearly not the best yet. 2021 however is gearing up to be one of the busiest that the U.P. State Fairgrounds has had for events. The fairgrounds has successfully hosted food distributions, an RV show, two craft shows, and next weekend we will host the Escanaba Kiwanis Home and Garden Show in the Ruth Butler Building. As the weather turns warmer, many large outdoor events will take place on the fairgrounds as well.
Annual events like Krusin Klassics, horse shows organized by the GLEA, AQHA, Silver Spurs and Big Bay Pony Club’s groups, the U.P. Trappers Show, and the annual U.P. Steam and Gas Show, will all take place on the fairgrounds in 2021. A full schedule of the best dirt track racing in the Upper Peninsula will continue to entertain hundreds of fans most Saturday nights in the grandstands at the Upper Peninsula International Raceway. Finally, the largest annual event, the U.P. State Fair, takes place August 16 and runs through August 22.
We are excited to announce the return of the Harley Owners Group, or “HOG Rally” in July, and in September the return of the Great Lakes Timber Professionals Association 75th Annual Great Lakes Logging and Heavy Equipment Expo. A monster truck show and a youth cattle show will make their U.P. State Fairgrounds debut in June.
Did you know that we also accommodate much smaller events in the U.P. State Fair Multi-Use Complex? We offer a conference room and a 4,187 sq ft multi-purpose room for rent. These rooms have been rented for benefits, baby showers, wedding showers, wedding receptions, corporate meetings, and club meetings. We have the space you need!
The U.P. State Fairgrounds still has some dates available for both large and small events in 2021 and are taking reservations for 2022 as well. Have an event and need a venue? You can book events with us by calling (906) 786-2192.