A child enjoys a carnival ride at the 2021 U.P. State Fair.

ESCANABA — Final preparations are underway to ensure that the 94th annual Upper Peninsula State Fair is a success. The U.P. State Fair, running from August 15 to 21, has been the only yearly state fair in Michigan since 2010, attracting well over 80,000 individuals to the Escanaba area for the festivities. With visitors from throughout the Midwest region and beyond, it is essential that preparations for the fair begin over a year in advance.

According to Vickie Micheau, executive director of the Delta County Chamber of Commerce and management agent for the Upper Peninsula State Fair Authority, the planning process for this year’s fair started before the 2021 U.P. State Fair even ended.

“During fair week, we update an ever-changing document with suggestions on ways to improve the next year’s fair,” Micheau said. “Fair planning is a year-round process, and because we work within our established timelines and deadlines the preparations have been pretty much as expected.”

The U.P. State Fair was first held on September 17, 1928. The community-oriented event primarily focused on agriculture and livestock during its early days, with local farmers displaying their award-worthy products to all in attendance. While the U.P. State Fair has only grown in size and offerings since then, it’s roots are still within the farming culture and heritage that make the Upper Peninsula what it is today.

Since state funding for the fair was terminated in 2009, the U.P. State Fair has been running independently thanks to the Upper Peninsula State Fair Authority. This 16-member board, which houses representatives from every county in the Upper Peninsula and Hannahville Indian Community, is responsible for the coordination of the week-long event. Outside of the Authority board, hundreds of individuals, organizations, and businesses contribute to the fair’s planning process.

“The U.P. State Fair Authority, sponsors, exhibitors, vendors, staff, and volunteers recognize the U.P. State Fair as Michigan’s oldest state fair and graciously give their support,” Micheau said. “It is because of their enthusiasm and fair spirit that the U.P. State Fair is an overwhelming success.”

New, and free, events have been added to this year’s fair festivities. On the midway, fair-goers can look out for the “Puppies of Penzance,” a pirate-themed dog show that guides audience members through a pirate ship adventure. “BOOM! Entertainment” has been added to this year’s roster as well, providing drumming shows throughout the week.

Grandstand entertainment, presented by the Island Resort and Casino, will be taking place every night throughout the week as well. The line-up, starting on Monday, is: UPIR Racing, BOOM! Entertainment, Abbacadabra, Puddle of Mudd, Roots and Boots, and Russell Dickerson. The final day of the fair, Sunday, will conclude with a firework show at dusk.

“Gold Circle ticket sales for grandstand shows are higher as compared to previous years,” Micheau said. “That’s a good indication that fair-goers are anxious for this year’s fair experience.”

In addition to new features and entertainment, many fair favorites will return to this year’s celebration. Popular midway rides, attractions, and food vendors will be coming back to the Escanaba fairgrounds. Additionally, children can test out their outdoors skills at the DNR’s Pocket Park. Fishing, archery, and pellet gun stations, with adult supervision, will be made available to those interested.

“Also back this year is the popular bingo tent managed by U.P. Robotics team,” Micheau said. “Team members will also be on hand with youth activities and robot demonstrations.”

Other events to look out for at this year’s fair is the annual Veteran of the Year Award Ceremony and Native American Celebration, which will be held on Thursday. The Delta County Chamber members will be sponsoring the Lunch with the Governor event on Thursday as well. Ladies Day activities will take place on Friday, followed by the Jr. Market Livestock Auction on Saturday, and Scout Day on Sunday.

Daily admission into the fairgrounds is $10 for adults and $5 for youth ages six to 12, with weekly passes being $35 for adults $20 for youth. Those five and under can enter for free. The midway will open at 5 p.m. Monday and 11 a.m. for the rest of the week, with midway carnival daily armbands being $30 per day.

With the U.P. State Fair just over a month away, Micheau and other members of the U.P. State Fair Authority will continue to take the necessary steps to guarantee this year’s fair is better than the last.

“Most of our current tasks involve final preparations, making sure that our staff and volunteers are ready to present a great fair experience for guests when the fair opens on August 15,” Micheau said. “The gates open at 5 p.m. and everything will be set and ready to go by 4:59 on August 15.”

A complete schedule of events for the 2022 U.P. State Fair can be found at UPStatefair.net.