ESCANABA — On Thursday, Aug. 15 at the U.P. State Fair — Honored Citizens’ Day — Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist will be the special guest when he represents the Governor’s Office. Due to schedule conflicts, Governor Gretchen Whitmer will be unable to attend.

Other special guests include the Escanaba City Band, who will be entertaining luncheon guests prior to the luncheon. In celebration of its 100-year Anniversary this year, the Escanaba City Band will play music starting at 11 a.m. on the stage in front of the Activities Tent.

At noon, following the musical performance, the Delta County Chamber of Commerce’s annual “Taste of Membership” Luncheon will take place, highlighting the delicious culinary talents of our Chamber of Commerce member businesses.

“p1″>In the past, the “Taste of ­Membership” Luncheon was attended by over 400 people, and generously sponsored by many Delta County businesses, giving “a taste of membership” to everyone in attendance.

Lt. Governor Gilchrist is also scheduled to present the Upper Peninsula Veteran of the Year Award prior to the luncheon.

Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce Vickie Micheau said she is thankful for the music and warm welcome that the Escanaba City Band has offered to provide, and the delicious food that the Chamber member businesses will serve at the Lt. Governor’s Day Luncheon.

“On behalf of The U.P. State Fair Authority, we are delighted and thankful for the wonderful hospitality that our Escanaba City Band has offered to provide, and for the wonderful food that our members will serve to our lieutenant governor, other public officials, and guests during the Fair. We are grateful to all of our generous sponsors for their continued support of the U.P. State Fair — Michigan’s only State Fair,” said Micheau. “Our members are continually showing their ongoing commitment to our local waterfront community, and to the great agricultural roots of Michigan and the Upper Peninsula. Their support will allow for the time-honored tradition of events and activities associated with the fairgrounds to continue.”

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.

Presenting sponsors of the Lt. Governor’s Day Lunch at the 2024 U.P. State Fair include: Michigan Works, Enbridge, Upper Peninsula Power Company, WLUC TV6 & FOX UP, Daily Press, Great Lakes Timber Professionals Association, U.P. State Fair Authority, Upper Hand Brewery, Delta County Chamber of Commerce, The Island Resort and Casino, and Wickert Floral.

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