Courtesy photo Come one, come all. U.P. State Fair Poultry Superintendent, Andrea Sorensen, invites you to the Market Chicken and Egg Auction on August 15h at 6 p.m. where the bidding is fierce and the feathers are fabulous.

ESCANABA — To all of you who support the U.P. State Fair Junior Market Livestock and Poultry and Egg Auctions — thank you! Whether you’ve been coming for years or are just getting curious about it, we appreciate your interest and generosity in helping make this event such a success.

By participating in the auction, you’re doing more than just buying top-quality meat and eggs — you’re investing in the future of our youth. These junior exhibitors spend countless hours preparing for this sale, and thanks to you, they get to see all that hard work pay off. Auction proceeds (less small fees) go directly to the exhibitor to help fund future projects, education, or professional goals. Talk about meaningful impact!

If you purchased an animal at the 2024 sale — thank you! Your gate passes for the 2025 U.P. State Fair are “in the mail” to make it easy for you to come back and join us again.

And if you haven’t participated yet? Why not come check it out! Even if you’re not ready to make a purchase, simply joining the fun shows these kids that their work is valued. Plus, if you do buy, you’re going home with some incredible meat for your freezer — a win-win!

The Market Chicken and Egg Auction starts at 6 p.m. (registration opens at 5) in the show area behind the poultry barn on Friday, August 15.

The Junior Market Livestock Auction starts at 11 a.m. (registration opens at 8) in the Sandy Groleau Memorial Livestock Arena near the beef barn on Saturday, August 16.

While you’re at the fair, take a stroll through the barns, say hello to the exhibitors, and see firsthand the amazing livestock projects they’ve worked so hard on.

One very special moment you won’t want to miss. Again, this year, a swine will be auctioned in memory of beloved fair supporter and Exhibitor Manager Lori Branstrom. Proceeds go to the Lori Branstrom Memorial Fund, which awards $1,000 grants to four junior exhibitors each year. It’s a heartfelt way to support both the past and future of this fair.

Questions? Feel free to reach out to our Jr. Market Superintendent Lori Dalgord at 906-630-7963.

We truly can’t thank you enough for the support you’ve shown over the years. We hope to see you raising your bidding cards at the 2025 sale.

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

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