Courtesy photo Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist (center) smiles onstage with staff members from Michigan Works, one of the sponsors of the ’Taste of Membership’ Luncheon held during Honored Citizens’ Day at the U.P. State Fair.

ESCANABA — On Honored Citizens’ Day during the 96th U.P. State Fair, Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist visited and met with local leaders and community members. To help welcome him, the Escanaba City Band played for their 100th year together, and many of our Delta County Chamber members showcased their best dishes.

No one left hungry from the Delta County Chamber of Commerce’s “Taste of Membership” luncheon, which featured a bounty of delicious culinary treats, compliments of our Chamber of Commerce member businesses.

Held under the Activities Tent at the fairgrounds, and attended by over 375 people, the luncheon included the following delicious selections, which were donated by our generous members: brisket and buns by Brisket Barn; sandwiches from D&M Subs; mini pasties by Dobber’s Pasties; rolls and whipped cinnamon butter from Texas Roadhouse; meat and cheese platters by Sav-Mor IGA; salads by Papa Murphy’s and Walmart; baked beans from M&M Catering; pasta salads made by Grab & Go, cheese hash browns by Family Inn; street corn on the cob from Freshwater Tavern, and finally, rotisserie chicken and a beautifully decorated cake by Elmer’s County Market. Soft drinks were supplied by Bink’s Coca-Cola. Food selections were served by our awesome Delta County Ambassador volunteers.

Because the luncheon was held on Honored Citizens’ Day during the fair, the event began with Lt. Governor Gilchrist presenting the Upper Peninsula Veteran of the Year Award to Howard Seid of Rockland, who has been the Western U.P. representative for the Veterans Community Action Team since 2016. He was congratulated by U.S. Congressman Jack Bergman at the ceremony, along with State Representatives Dave Prestin of the 108th District, Jenn Hill from the 109th and Gregory Markkanen from the 110th District, Senator John Damoose of the 37th District and State Senator Ed McBroom of the 38th District. Seid served in the Air Force from 1981 to 2008, and is commander of the American Legion Post 92 in Rockland.

The U.P. Veteran of the Year ceremony was followed by the luncheon, in which Senator McBroom did the invocation and introduced Lt. Governor Gilchrist, saying he is grateful to him for taking the time to come to the fair.

Governor Gilchrist then spoke to the crowd, discussing some of the things he and Governor Whitmer included in the state’s education budget, including free breakfast and lunch for all of Michigan’s public school students. He also thanked those present for the contributions they make in their communities, specifically complimenting Highline for providing high-speed Internet to rural areas to keep people connected.

Gilchrist then challenged everyone present, saying, “I want you all to think of how you can contribute to your community and culture.”

Gilchrist closed with: “I know what we are capable of when we work together, when we do not take ‘no’ for an answer, and when we say that no problem is too difficult for us to step up, stand tall, and overcome. Thank you for welcoming me here to this day at the fair. I cannot wait to continue to serve alongside you as we make Michigan the best place to grow, have an idea, raise a family, and have fun.”

U.P. State Fair Management Agent Vickie Micheau said she is thankful for the warm hospitality that the Chamber member businesses showed the Lieutenant Governor: “On behalf of The U.P. State Fair Authority and Chamber Board of Directors, we are thankful for the wonderful hospitality provided by our members, for Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist, and other public officials for attending the Fair, and for all our generous sponsors for their continued support of the Chamber and U.P. State Fair–Michigan’s only State Fair. Our members are continually showing their ongoing commitment to our local waterfront community.

Presenting sponsors of the Governor’s Day Lunch at the 2024 U.P. State Fair included: Michigan Works, DTE, Enbridge, Upper Peninsula Power Company, WLUC TV6 & FOX UP, Daily Press, Embers Credit Union, Great Lakes Timber Professionals Association, U.P. State Fair Authority, Delta County Chamber of Commerce, Upper Hand Brewery, The Island Resort and Casino, and Wickert Floral.

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Victoria LaFave is with the Delta County Chamber of Commerce