ESCANABA — An event centered around old-school hot rods and also featuring a kids’ bicycle show, a pinup contest, food and drink vendors, music and more is coming to the Upper Peninsula State Fairgrounds this weekend, presented by the Gladstone Lions Club and other sponsors. The idea is to make Northwoods Motor Mayhem an annual occurrence, but this is its first year.

The event takes place both Friday, Sept. 6 and Saturday, Sept. 7. Gates open to the public at 10 a.m. and close at 10:30 p.m. both days. Registration is free for vehicles, but people entering the grounds may buy either single-day tickets or weekend passes, with the exception of children under 12, who enter free. Overnight camping is available.

“Rat rods and traditional hot rods” are the highlight of the weekend, and those pre-registered who can attend both days will get featured parking in the Antique Village. Other classics, vintage motorcycles and muscle cars are to occupy a general show car area.

Retro attire echoing the 1940s and ’50s is encouraged.

There will be live music both days. In order of appearance, Angels and Outlaws and the Delta Players are scheduled to perform Friday; The Jam Band, Peltier Brothers, and the Grand Design Band play on Saturday.

Mini-bike drag races will begin at 11 a.m. on Saturday with two classes, modified and stock, unless enough entrants sign up at 10 a.m. to warrant additional categories. Helmets must be worn while racing.

A lawn tractor pull conducted by the U.P. Garden Tractor Pullers begins at 1 p.m. on Saturday following 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. signups.

Also at 1 p.m. is the children’s bike show; to be judged, decorated bicycles must be brought to the corralled area near the building that serves as the goat and sheep barn during the fair.

A pinup contest described as “classy, not trashy” is asking that participants over the age of 18 who are “born female” supply a short bio and arrive ready with hair and makeup done – again in the style of the ’40s and ’50s. – by 1 p.m. on Saturday. The show is at the band stage between musical events at 1:30 p.m.

A burnout competition will be at 3 p.m. near the horse speed barn at the southwest edge of the grounds.

Northwoods Motor Mayhem is still seeking volunteers to help park cars and sell wristbands and drinks. A form may be found at northwoodsmotormayhem.com along with detailed event information.

In addition to the Gladstone Lions Club, sponsors include Little Bay Concrete Products, Endridge, Midas, Local 2, and Blackbeard Customs.