Daily Press file photo Above, fairgoers enjoy a past Upper Peninsula State Fair. The fair was canceled this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the U.P. State Fair Authority has already shifted gears and is planning for the 2021 fair. Many of the entertainment options that were planned for this year’s fair have already been moved to next year’s event.

ESCANABA — The sights, sounds, and smells of the 2020 U.P. State Fair will be missed this weekend. There will be no bands and singing in the grandstand, screams coming from riders on carnival rides, midway games, neon lights glowing at night, children watching the birth of an animal or viewing exhibits with award ribbons — all because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Planning of the 2020 fair was full steam ahead, and then, it wasn’t.

“There were several factors that contributed to the Authority’s decision to postpone the fair,” said Delta County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Vickie Micheau. “First and foremost was the commitment to protect the health and safety of the public. The State of Michigan’s crowd size and carnival restrictions also made it impossible to provide the same familiar experience expected by fairgoers.”

The Upper Peninsula Fair Authority, a legal entity made of representatives from all fifteen counties in the U.P. and the Hannahville Indian Community, govern the fair.

“Canceling an event like the fair impacts the regional economy in many ways,” said Micheau. “Larger events draw enthusiasts to the area who might not otherwise spend time or money here. Local businesses take advantage of promotional opportunities when they sponsor events like the fair.”

Many of the entertainment and activities planned for this week are now moved to the 2021 U.P. State Fair, Aug. 16 – 22.

“Because the 2020 fair was postponed, many of the entertainment and activities simply moved to 2021,” Micheau said. “All vendors, entertainers, and most everyone associated with the fair very graciously agreed to transfer all funds and activities to 2021 without imposing any penalty.”

Escanaba-native Helen Debaker-Vorce, The Ultimate 80’s Hair Band Experience Hairball, Buckcherry, Josh Turner, and others who were scheduled to play this week will entertain at next year’s fair.

Most events on the fairgrounds have been canceled and even the Department of Natural Resources Pocket Park has been closed.

The fair’s mottos were, “U.P. State Fair 2020, Get Ready for the Time of Your Life!” and “Clearly the best year yet.” Though events are moving from 2020 to 2021, the motto will be changed.

“Several options are being considered for the 2021 slogan, but a decision has not been made yet,” said Micheau.

In 2018, a survey was initiated to find out how the U.P. State Fair affects the local economy. Fairgoers, vendors, exhibitors, and the cost to run the fair were all taken into consideration when data was compiled.

“According to Michigan State University estimates, the U.P. State Fair related spending exceeds five million,” said Micheau.

The survey showed 92,000 fair-goers attended, up 6% from 2017’s record-high attendance, bringing $2.7 million new transactions into the local economy. Vendors from outside the area spent approximately $200,000. The Skerbeck Entertainment Group spent about $50,000 in the local economy, and $5.3 million was spent in hotels, restaurants, and stores. In 2019 gate receipts, midway and sponsorship spending was up higher than 2018, leading to organizers believing numbers would be higher in 2020.

Some activities are still happening on the fairgrounds. The Upper Peninsula International Racing (UPIR) continued with their season and, according to Micheau, are having an exceptional racing season.

“The board members and volunteers have dedicated time and financial resources to offer a full season of racing with COVID-19 precautions in place to protect the health and safety of racers and spectators,” said Micheau.

There are four UPIR events remaining this season, Aug. 23, Aug. 29, and Sept. 12. The UPIR Border Battle V3 will be held Sept. 19.

This weekend, the Skerbeck Entertainment Group continue their Drive Thru Carnival Food event they started Thursday on the fairgrounds. Today and tomorrow between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m., people wanting some of their fair food favorites can drive onto the fairgrounds and pick them up.

In addition, the Junior Market Livestock Show and Auction is taking place during the Lori Branstrom Memorial Livestock Expo this weekend.

“Since the State of Michigan turned over ownership of the U.P. State Fairgrounds to the U.P. State Fair Authority, we have known that the year-long operations and especially week long fair have a tremendous impact on the entire Upper Peninsula community,” said Micheau. “For instance, the one day Junior Livestock Auction alone injects $500,000 back into U.P. communities and better yet, into the hands of our youth. Not only that, but the experience reinforces a future in Michigan Agriculture for so many of our youth. As agriculture continues to become an increasingly important industry to the U.P. and statewide, the U.P. Authority was committed to moving forward with the Lori Branstrom Memorial Livestock Expo.”

For additional information go to the U.P. State Fair’s Facebook page.

Micheau’s favorite moments of the fair will be missed this year, but will return again.

“The positive energy that is part of the fair. The dedication that is exhibited by vendors, exhibitors, sponsors, employees, and volunteers is simply amazing to witness,” said Micheau. “There is nothing better than the energy packed, family atmosphere that the fair offers.”