ESCANABA — This year’s U.P. State Fair Governor’s Day Lunch showcased not only the governor, but also the delicious culinary talents of Delta County Chamber of Commerce member businesses.

‘A Taste of Membership’

Held under the Activities Tent at the fairgrounds on Thursday, August 18, The Governor’s Day lunch was sponsored by many Delta County businesses, giving ‘a taste of membership’ to everyone in attendance.

The meal included the following delicious selections: pulled pork sandwiches by Bougie’s Butcher Shop & Smoked Meats; beef brisket provided by Brisket Barn; assorted wraps, chips (and tote bags) from The Dew Drop Family Restaurant; mini pasties provided by Dobber’s Pasties; cucumber dill salad and cake by Elmer’s County Market; award-winning white chicken chili made by Grab & Go; salads by Papa Murphy’s and Walmart; and Tuscan potatoes by Freshwater Tavern. Beer was provided by Upper Hand Brewery. Soft drinks and water were supplied by Bink’s Coca-Cola. Food selections were served by Delta County Ambassador volunteers. 

U.P. Veteran of the Year Award–Tracey Ann Tippett

Because the Governor’s Luncheon was held on Honored Citizens Day during the U.P. State Fair, the event began with Governor Gretchen Whitmer presenting the Upper Peninsula Veteran of the Year Award to Tracey Ann Tippett of Champion — the first woman to have received the award. Tippett served in the U.S. Marine Corps, and also serves many roles in numerous veteran organizations. 

In speaking of people such as Tippett, Whitmer said she is proud of those who have served our nation, and “show up every single day and do the hard work, despite all of the tough circumstances we’ve had to navigate. The people of Michigan are tough,” she said. “Tough times don’t last, but tough people do.”

The U.P. Veteran of the Year ceremony was followed by the Governor’s Day Luncheon.

Governor’s Day Lunch

TV6’s Elizabeth Peterson gave the welcome address at the lunch and thanked all of the sponsors. She then introduced Senator Ed McBroom, who said he is grateful to Governor Whitmer for taking her time to come up to the Fair, in “support of the 4-H kids and all of the exhibitors who have worked so hard to make the Fair the successful event that it is, and to see how the fair is growing.”

Senator McBroom then introduced Delta County Chamber of Commerce Associate Director Sheila Krueger, who sang The National Anthem. Governor Whitmer then spoke to the crowd, and also answered written questions from the audience. She discussed the work she has done during her term, including passing four balanced bi-partisan budgets.

Governor Whitmer said she is most proud of the people of Michigan, specifically praising “the Yoopers — the people with grit who get things done every single day,” and thanked those present for their “warm welcome of this humble ‘troll’ who serves all of you in Lansing.”

In thanking the residents of the 83 counties in the State of Michigan for doing their part, Governor Whitmer continued: “You show up every day, you work hard, you take care of one another, you solve problems, and that is the spirit of the State of Michigan, and I thank you for inspiring me today too.” She then acknowledged Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, who also attended the Governor’s Day festivities.

Vickie Micheau with the U.P. State Fair is also thankful for all those involved in making the fair and the Governor’s Day luncheon a success.

“On behalf of The U.P. State Fair Authority, we are delighted and thankful for the wonderful hospitality provided by our members, for the governor and other public officials for attending the fair, and for all of our generous sponsors for their continued support of the U.P. State Fair,” said U.P. State Fair Management Agent Vickie Micheau. “Our members are continually showing their ongoing commitment to our local area, family and community, fun and education, and to the great agricultural roots of Michigan and the Upper Peninsula. Their support will allow for the time-honored tradition of events and activities associated with the fairgrounds to continue.”

The Governor’s Day Lunch at The U.P. State Fair was sponsored by: U.P. State Fair Authority and Delta County Chamber of Commerce, Michigan Works, Enbridge, Upper Peninsula Power Company, WLUC TV6 & FOX UP, Daily Press, Great Lakes Timber Professionals Association, Upper Hand Brewery, Wickert Floral and DTE.