ESCANABA — At this year’s U.P. State Fair, to ensure that all of our guests have a positive fair-going experience, the fair will offer a Sensory-Friendly Midway with limited lights and noise on Tuesday, Aug. 13 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.

The idea for a Sensory-Friendly Midway was brought up after hearing requests for a quieter Midway experience for light and noise-sensitive fair-goers.

“We are pleased to announce that a Sensory-Friendly Midway at the U.P. State Fair is available for fair guests who would like to experience the fun of rides and games on the Skerbeck Entertainment Group Midway with reduced light brightness and sound volume, on Tuesday, August 13 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m..” said Vickie Micheau, executive director of the Chamber of Commerce, which serves as the local management agency for the U.P. State Fair. “This Sensory-Friendly Midway is offered to better accommodate those with sensory sensitivities. Lights, sounds, and non-safety-related announcements will be minimized, with rides, games, and food available for purchase.”

The Sensory-Friendly hours apply only to the Carnival Midway. While U.P. State Fair officials understand that there may be areas in other parts of the fairgrounds that contain loud music and lights during these hours, Micheau noted that they have respectfully asked vendors and concessionaires to participate when possible during the hours of 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Tuesday.

This year’s week-long U.P. State Fair runs when the gates open at 5 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 12 through Sunday, Aug. 18.

For more information on this year’s U.P. State Fair, or to purchase advance gate admission for the fair, please visit upstatefair.net.