Courtesy photo Kassey Labadie receives a $1,000 scholarship from the Michigan Association of Fairs and Exhibitors from the Association’s treasurer and U.P. State Fair management agent, Vickie Micheau.

ESCANABA — I can remember the evening of February 2, 2009, like it was yesterday. It was the night that Governor Granholm presented her State of the State Address and announced that there would no longer be state appropriations for the state fairs in Detroit and the Upper Peninsula in 2010. The decision was made by the State of Michigan to get out of the fair business.

Thankfully, the board members of the Chamber of Commerce and State Fair of Managers took immediate action recognizing the importance of the continuation of the fair and, with the support of an entire Upper Peninsula community, were determined that the “show must go on!”

The top two reasons to continue were obvious. First, fairs help create a new generation of farmers, food producers, and professionals through the wide range of agriculture activities and exhibits that primarily involve youth. Another major concern was the loss of income to the economy. A Michigan State University study reports that more than $5 million is contributed to the local economy during fair week.

Both reasons were exemplified this past weekend at the 138th annual Michigan Association of Fairs and Exhibitions convention held in Grand Rapids. One of our Delta County youth exhibitors and 2022 U.P. State Fair Queen, Kassey Labadie, was presented a $1,000 scholarship that she can use for any or all expenses related to her continued education.

It was a proud moment when the committee described Kassey’s career goal to become a large animal veterinarian and ultimately return to Delta County and practice.

Kassey raises and shows hogs at the U.P. State Fair. During the last three years, she has won several showmanship and market awards including three grand age-division showmanship awards, one overall reserve showmanship and reserve champion lightweight hog. She has been actively involved in the 4-H program and mentors young members on how to raise and show hogs.

On the application submitted to the scholarship committee, Kassey was tasked with describing how the fair industry influenced her. She responded that the fair helped shape her to be the person she is today and allowed her to develop a strong work ethic. Kassey believes, and so do I, that her fair experiences will allow her to persevere in accomplishing her goal of becoming a veterinarian.

Congratulations, Kassey, for receiving one of seven scholarships awarded to applicants who are involved in a MAFE member fair from across the State of Michigan — an opportunity that would not have existed without the tenacity of the visionaries who were determined that the “show must go on!”