ESCANABA — Last week, I had the pleasure of traveling within our great state with my family to attend the Detroit Lions Thanksgiving Day game — a thrilling experience for any football fan. While the game itself was exciting, the most memorable part of the trip happened off the field with the meaningful connections I made along the way.

Nearly everywhere I stopped, I encountered people who shared something special — their affection for the Upper Peninsula. At breakfast one morning in the hotel, I met a delightful couple from Marshall, Michigan who told me they spend most of their summers in the U.P. and never miss the races during fair week. They spoke with great fondness about Delta County events and the welcoming atmosphere they’ve grown to appreciate.

The 906 was definitely represented in the 313. I noticed several people proudly wearing apparel featuring a saying or outline of the Upper Peninsula. A family having dinner at the table next to ours one evening was decked out in Ishpeming Hematite sweatshirts.

Another couple in the seats next to us at Ford Field shared their Yooperlites business card. The Lions fan business card owner was Erik Rintamaki from Brimley, the man who discovered the fluorescent rocks while walking along the shoreline of Lake Superior in 2017. Seeing the U.P. represented miles away was a wonderful reminder of the strong and positive impression our extended community leaves on visitors.

As a Chamber director, these moments filled me with pride and reaffirmed the importance of the work we do at the Commerce Center to make our hometown a welcoming destination. The stories I heard and the conversations I had during our trip downstate are a testament to the incredible people, businesses, and events that define our waterfront community.

Delta County isn’t just a place to visit; it’s a place people remember, return to, and even represent. Whether it’s our fresh water coastline, the beauty of our parks and golf courses, or the kindness of our residents, our community is leaving a lasting impression far beyond its borders.

As some of us continue to cheer on the Detroit Lions this season (sorry Ed, Sheila, and Matt – but this football fan from the U.P. doesn’t jump state lines), let’s also take a moment to celebrate our own victories. Together, we’re building something truly special that’s being recognized and appreciated by many.

Here’s to our hometown — a destination, a brand, and above all, a place we’re all proud to share.

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