Courtesy photo A classic John Deere tractor leads the tractor parade at a Steam and Gas Engine Association Labor Day Show.

ESCANABA — The 49th Annual U.P. Steam and Gas Engine Association Show returns to the fairgrounds this weekend. This event has become a popular tradition in the community and promises, once again, to deliver a memorable experience for all ages. In addition to this longstanding event, we are pleased to introduce two brand-new events that will further enhance the activity on the fairgrounds this year.

The Steam and Gas Engine Show, which is always held on Labor Day weekend, will feature John Deere farm equipment. Guests will be able to enjoy the Antique Village’s agricultural museum, an antique automobile show featuring cars produced between 1900 and 1935, the sights and sounds of the Antique Village artisans, a knife and gun show, and one of the largest flea markets in the Upper Peninsula.

No visit to the Village is complete without a stop at the Cookshack, where mouthwatering dishes await you from the moment you arrive. If you have a sweet tooth, be sure to check out the ice cream and cheesecake shops, offering an array of desserts that are simply irresistible. And don’t forget the pie sale, featuring pies with flaky crusts and luscious fillings that you won’t want to miss.

In a move to expand the fairground offerings, two new events will launch that are sure to become future favorites.

On September 6 and 7, the Gladstone Lions Club will host Northwoods Motor Mayhem, an event designed to thrill car enthusiasts. This car show extravaganza welcomes all classes of vehicles, with rat rods and traditional hot rods showcased throughout the antique village at the fairgrounds. In addition to these, classic cars, muscle cars, sports cars, tuners, vintage motorcycles, and other special interest vehicles are also invited to join. A vintage camping area and regular camping sites will be available for the entire two-day event.

Attendees are encouraged to dress in period-appropriate attire, so slick back those duck tails and dust off that poodle skirt! Rain or shine, the event promises a fun-filled experience with live music featuring three bands daily, food and beverage vendors, a burnout competition, lawn tractor pulling, raffles and silent auctions, minibike races, a kids’ corral for decorated bicycles, and a “Classy, Not Trashy” pinup contest. A complete schedule of events can be found at the Northwoodsmotormayhem.com website.

Three weeks after the rat rods roll out of the fairgrounds, we’ll transition from wheels to wool with another new to the area event, the North American Hill Sheep Show, focused on showcasing different breeds of hill sheep, particularly those adapted to the rugged, often mountainous terrain found in regions like the British Isles. These sheep are known for their hardiness and ability to thrive in challenging environments, such as hills and uplands.

The North American Hill Sheep Show begins on September 26 and is an agricultural event where sheep breeders, farmers, and enthusiasts gather to display their animals, exchange knowledge, and participate in competitions. The event features various activities, including sheepdog trials, wool exhibitions, and discussions on sheep farming techniques.

The Delta County Chamber of Commerce, working alongside the U.P. State Fair Authority, is committed to bringing the community together through engaging, entertaining, and enriching experiences. We are delighted to not only support the tradition of the Steam and Gas Show but also to grow with the introduction of new events. Our goal is to create memorable moments for all attendees and contribute to the economy and culture of our community.

For more information on these and other event schedules, activities, and more, please visit the Chamber’s website at www.deltami.org.

— — —

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