ESCANABA — This year’s U.P. State Fair, in its 95th year, was a huge success, thanks to the hard work and support of so many people. It was a record-setting year with over 100,000 gate admissions. One day in particular, Thursday, Aug. 17, showcased not only the Governor during the Delta County Chamber of Commerce’s “Taste of Membership” Lunch with the Governor, but also the delicious culinary talents of our Chamber of Commerce member businesses.

Held under the Activities Tent at the fairgrounds, and attended by over 400 people, 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, which were donated by our generous members: maple glazed pulled pork and rolls by Brisket Barn and Up In Smoke; meatballs, cheese potatoes and cake by Elmer’s County Market; assorted subs from D&M Subs; pasties by Dobber’s Pasties; meat and cheese trays by Sav-Mor IGA; salads by Papa Murphy’s and Walmart; banana cake and carrot cake made by Grab and Go. Soft drinks and water bottles were supplied by Bink’s Coca-Cola and wine samples were provided by Northern Sun Winery. Food selections were served by our awesome Delta County Ambassador volunteers.

Because the Governor’s Lunch 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 Jim Provost, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1965 to 1969, with service in Vietnam in 1966. Provost has received many military awards and served on the Marquette County Veterans Affairs Committee for the past nine years, along with holding many other roles in veteran organizations.

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

Delta County Chamber of Commerce Associate Director Sheila Krueger sang The National Anthem, followed by Senator Ed McBroom doing the invocation and introducing Governor Gretchen Whitmer, saying he is grateful to her for taking her time to come up to the fair in support of the 4-H kids and all of the exhibitors who worked so hard to make the Fair the successful event that it is. Governor Whitmer received a musical stage welcome by The Strolling Piano with a crowd-pleasing performance of “Girl On Fire”.

Governor Whitmer then spoke to the crowd, discussing the work she has done during her term, including passing balanced bi-partisan budgets. Also in attendance were State Representatives Dave Prestin, Greg Markkanen and Jenn Hill.

Governor Whitmer discussed the investment that the State of Michigan is making in Billerud’s Escanaba mill, saying she is most proud of all of the hard-working people in Michigan, and thanked those present in the Activities Tent on the U.P. State Fairgrounds for their warm welcome.

After several rounds of applause, she closed with, “You show up every day, and support your community. You give me inspiration and you give people across the country inspiration. The U.P. is one of the finest places on the planet, and I’m damn glad to be here as your governor.”

Marty Fittante, CEO of InvestUP, then spoke, thanking Governor Whitmer for securing funding for Billerud’s Escanaba mill, and discussed other U.P. community development projects.

U.P. State Fair Management Agent Vickie Micheau said she is thankful for the warm hospitality that the Chamber member businesses showed the governor: “On behalf of The U.P. State Fair Authority and management team, 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–Michigan’s only State Fair. Our members are continually showing their ongoing commitment to our local waterfront community, 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.”

Presenting sponsors of the Governor’s Day Lunch at the 2023 U.P. State Fair included: Michigan Works, Enbridge, Upper Peninsula Power Company, WLUC TV6 & FOX UP, Daily Press, Great Lakes Timber Professionals Association, U.P. State Fair Authority, Delta County Chamber of Commerce, The Island Resort and Casino, and Wickert Floral.

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Victoria LaFave is with the Delta County Chamber of Commerce