Daily Press file photo A girl enjoys a ride at a past U.P. State Fair. The fair returns Monday after being canceled last year due to the pandemic.

ESCANABA — The U.P. State Fair kicks off Monday, bringing the tradition back after the annual event was canceled due to the pandemic in 2020. Here’s a sampling of what’s happening at this year’s fair:

THINGS TO DO ON THE MIDWAY

Free midway entertainment will include 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.

As in past years, 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. Throughout the week, 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 perenial 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 Ballon, 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. The ballon will be on display Thursday morning, Friday evening, and Saturday afternoon.

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

IN THE GRANDSTAND

Musical performances in the grandstand, presented by the Island Resort and Casino, will begin Tuesday night with Escanaba native singer and songwriter Helen DeBaker-Vorce. The ultimate ’80s hair band experience, Hairball, takes the stage on Wednesday. Then, on Thursday, Heart to Heartbreaker and Crazy Babies – Ozzie Rebourne on Tribute will rock the grandstand. Josh Turner, country and gospel singer, will perform on Friday. Musical entertainment in the grandstand wraps up on Saturday with the California rock band, Buckcherry. With the exception of Buckcherry, which starts at 9 a.m., all musical shows begin at 8 p.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

As in past years, a few of the fair’s days will be themed, but the number of these days has dropped compared to past years. On Thursday, “Honored Citizen’s Day” will recognize seniors, Native Americans, and active and retired military. Free admission will be granted to those who show a DD 214. Seniors age 65 and older and Native Americans who show a CDIB/Tribal Membership card will receive $5 admission.

Honored Citizens Day, will also feature the annual Veteran of the Year Award Ceremony, Lunch with Governor Gretchen Whitmer sponsored by Chamber of Commerce members, and the Native American Celebration. Tickets to the Governor’s Luncheon must be purchased in advance.

The only other day scheduled this year is Meijer & Scouts Day, which 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.

LIMITED EVENTS AND

OPPORTUNITIES

The Fair Queen and Princess crowning will take place at 6:30 p.m. Monday. The Antique Car Show will take place at 11 a.m. Saturday.

In addition this, year Public Health Delta & Menominee Counties (PHDM) will be offering the free, single shot Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine at the U.P. State Fair to anyone 18 years of age and older. Recipients of the vaccine will be reimbursed $10 for their daily admission. No appointment is necessary.

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 also 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.