Ilsa Minor | Daily Press Fair-goers enjoy a thrill ride at the U.P. State Fair this week. The fair continues today and Sunday. The fair traditionally has its highest attendance during the weekend.

ESCANABA — The U.P. State Fair is heading into the weekend — traditionally the days when the event sees the most attendance. There’s still a lot to see and do at the fair in its final days. Here’s a sampling of what’s happening:

THINGS TO DO ON THE MIDWAY

Free midway entertainment will continue with the Mystic Bubble Show, a family-friendly show featuring music and bubbles; the gravity-defying stunts of the ZuZu African Acrobats; and “Those Funny Little People,” a stage show combining puppetry and consumed characters.

Carnival rides will be provided by Skerbeck Entertainment Group. The Whispering Pines Mobile Zoo petting zoo, food and vendors will also be available to give the full fair experience.

OFF THE MIDWAY

Long-time favorite cheese carver Sarah Kaufmann will return for this year’s fair. Fairgoers will be able to witness her crafting her dairy creations in the Miracle of Life Building. Other Miracle of Life exhibits and activities, including the live animal births and the Growing UP Foresters interactive exhibit — both perennial favorites — will also take place in the building.

The U.P. Steam and Gas Engine Association Village will also be open during the fair. The village features shops, demonstrations and a museum that show a glimpse of life in the past. Demonstrations and teaching about knitting, weaving, machine knitting and sewing will take place during the fair and Village artisan-crafted items will be available for purchase. Maps of the Village are available at the Village gazebo.

While the DNR Pocket Park — located near the fairground’s eastern entrance — has been a a long-time feature at the fair, the park will have a new attraction this year. The Smokey Bear Balloon, a hot air balloon in the shape of the fire prevention mascot’s head, will be on hand to spur conversations about fire prevention and forest safety this weekend. The balloon will be on display Saturday afternoon.

Dove releases will take place Saturday and Sunday at 3 p.m. in front of the poultry barn, weather permitting.

IN THE GRANDSTAND

Musical entertainment in the grandstand wraps up on Saturday with the California rock band, Buckcherry at 9 a.m. with doors to the grandstand opening one hour prior.

Music isn’t the only thing rocking the grandstand. The Northeast Ohio Dukes Stunt Show is set for Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m., followed by UPIR Racing and fireworks, sponsored by Skerbeck Entertainment Group.

SPECIAL DAYS

Meijer & Scouts Day is slated for Sunday. First responders, healthcare, and grocery store workers — including Meijer team members — receive a 10% discount when presenting a company-issued name badge. Scouts in uniform will receive free admission. Scouts between the ages of 6 and 12 years old must be accompanied by an adult with paid gate admission. Scout activities will take place in the big tent.

ANIMALS AND EXHIBITS

A fair can’t exist without the farmers and crafters eyeing those grand champion ribbons. Throughout the fair, animals

The Junior Market Livestock Auction will be on Saturday, beginning at 10 a.m. in the grandstand. The auction order will be grand and reserve champion animals, followed by the remaining steers, hogs, meat goats and lambs. Bidder numbers will be available under the grandstand beginning at 8:30 a.m.

Online bidding, which can be done prior to the market date, is available at www.michiganauction.com.