Daily Press file photo Attendees look over trapping supplies at a past U.P. Trappers Convention at the U.P. State Fairgrounds. The event is returning to Escanaba this July.

ESCANABA — The U.P. Trappers have announced the dates for the 60th Annual Trappers Convention/ Outdoor Expo. The event will be held on the U.P. State Fairgrounds in Escanaba on July 15-16. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

This year’s demonstration lineup includes Jeff Dunlap, Ed Schneider, Bob Steinmetz, Ryan Koivu, Red O’Hearn, Jeff Hagerty, Mark June, Sarah Gomez, and Al Dubord.

Along with the trapping seminars, there will be lots to do for all members of the family, organizers said. There will be door prizes, raffles, kids fishing pond, games and sales. Organizers said hundreds of vendors and tailgaters are expected.

Camping is available on the grounds. Food and drinks will be for sale by local food vendors.

Jeff Dunlap, one of the experts, will be giving a coyote trapping demo. He will be sharing tips, secrets, techniques and methods etc. His favorite method of trapping is his “state hop.” A Michigan resident, Dunlap “state hops” to trap in Michigan, Louisiana, Arizona, Ohio, Indiana, Alabama, and Texas. In his non-trapping time, he travels the country speaking at conventions, appearing on radio and TV shows. He also produces his own line of lures. His demo will be at 1:30 p.m. on Friday. Jeff’s partner Sarah Gomez is an expert as well and she will be giving a muskrat and raccoon demo at 1 p.m. on Saturday.

“This event increases in popularity each year. Many family vacations are being planned around it. I believe that the vast variety of activities along with the educational opportunities and fantastic location has a lot to do with that,” said Robert Gartland, secretary of U.P. Trappers.

“This event is the high point of my year. It is so great to meet up with old friends and make new ones. This is a super event to learn, have fun and enjoy the ‘carnival atmosphere, said Keith Rockwood, a member of U.P. Trappers.

For more information go to www.uptrappers.com and click on convention. President Roy Dahlgren will take fish fry reservations, and answer any other questions. He can be reached at (906) 399-1960.