ESCANABA — This week during the 96th Annual U.P. State Fair, we honored the memory of three remarkable individuals whose lives were deeply intertwined with the spirit of the fair. Their contributions to the success of our cherished annual event will forever be remembered. Through their dedication, creativity, and tireless efforts, they each left an unforgettable mark, inspiring others and shaping the fair into what it has become today.

On Sunday evening, family and friends gathered as the rebuilt beef show arena was dedicated to Sandra Lee Groleau in recognition of 45 years of dedicated commitment to the Upper Peninsula State Fair. Sandy was a valued manager, exhibitor’s manager, chaos coordinator, cheerleader, and more for the U.P. State Fair. She was determined to make the fairgrounds a cherished place for all.   Sandy’s unwavering dedication, vision, and leadership have left an indelible mark on our community and the fairgrounds. Her contributions and passion will be remembered and cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Four Jr. Market exhibitors received financial support through the Lori Branstrom memorial award. In Lori’s world, there were three things that were incredibly important to her: her family, her friends and the fair. Three different worlds that collided as her fair friends became family. We worked with Lori for more than ten years and shared many laughs, tears and ideas.

Lori willingly shared her ideas and helped us see things more clearly in the fair world. She was our “go to” person when we had any questions about the agricultural side of the fair. We teased her about her laser focus and 20/20 vision, which was one of the reasons why our 2020 fair mascot wore glasses. We could never thank Lori enough for her vision, friendship, caring kindness and helping us see more clearly the most important things in life. She will live in our hearts forever.

One first year Jr. Market exhibitor received a scholarship award from the Steve Masters Foundation. Steve Masters was hired in 2004 to serve as the executive director of the Bays de Noc Convention & Visitors Bureau and was a member of the Upper Peninsula State Fair Management Team through 2014.

Steve was a member of the management team that was responsible for a successful transition when the U.P. State Fair operations moved from state to regional governance. Under his direction, Delta County and the Upper Peninsula gained greater exposure as he was instrumental in recruiting and organizing world-class events that brought thousands of visitors to the region and the fairgrounds.

It was a perfect position for Steve as he poured his heart and soul into promoting Delta County and fair as, in his words, it was “a great place with great people, and a wealth of indoor and outdoor activities with something for every visitor during every season.

Though they are no longer with us, their legacy continues to resonate, reminding us of the power of community and the impact one person can have on the lives of many.

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