ESCANABA — This year marks the 13th anniversary of the seamless management transition of the oldest state fair in Michigan from state government to a regional governing body, the U.P. State Fair Authority. When the state appropriation ended, the Authority was established with representation from each of the 15 counties in the Upper Peninsula and the Hannahville Indian Community to keep the nearly 100-year-old tradition alive!

There is a lot of excitement about this year’s fair and we hope, with the help of Mother Nature, to once again break all previous attendance numbers!

Once fair-goers pass through the gates, they’ll find amazing food, great concerts, wheeled events, spectacular carnival rides by Skerbeck Entertainment Group, winning livestock and artistic exhibits, an antique village, exotic animals from around the world at the Whispering Pines Mobile Zoo and so much more. There is something for everyone!

New, free entertainment on the midway this year features the Puppies of Penzance – a brisk, energetic dog show that takes audiences on a trip on a pirate ship manned by the pups. BOOM! Entertainment will be strolling and drumming on-stage throughout fair week.

Back this year are two popular sculpturing attractions, mARTinez Studio Art Club sand artists and cheese carver Sarah Kaufmann.

Grandstand entertainment presented by the Island Resort and Casino kicks off Monday night with UPIR Racing followed by entertainment throughout the week by BOOM!, Abbacadabra, Puddle of Mudd, Roots and Boots, and Russell Dickerson. The fair will close with fireworks, sponsored by Skerbeck Entertainment Group, at dusk on Sunday night. Gold Circle ticket sales for grandstand shows are higher as compared to previous years — that’s a great indication that fair-goers are looking forward to this year’s fair experience.

Other notable events taking place during the fair are the crowning of the U.P. State Fair Queen and her court on Monday. The annual Veteran of the Year Award Ceremony, Lunch with the Governor sponsored by Chamber of Commerce members, and the Native American Celebration all take place on Thursday’s Honored Citizens Day.

The Junior Market Livestock Auction returns to the beef barn show ring on Saturday. The week ends with Scout Day activities on Sunday.

Check out the website, UPStatefair.org, for updates, judging schedules and other information about the 2022 U.P. State Fair ~ a Celebration of Agriculture and Community!

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Vickie Micheau is the executive director of the Delta County Chamber of Commerce.