Fair Authority reports record attendance
The Mini Scrambler takes children for a ride at the Upper Peninsula State Fair last week. The Fair Authority recently reported that a record number of entries were seen at the 2026 fair. (R. R. Branstrom)
Agriculture, midway excitement, vendors and fairgoers came together under the lights of the 2026 U.P. State Fair, capturing the spirit of this year’s “United in Fun” theme and bringing another memorable week. (Photo by Upper Limits Media, LLC)
The Mini Scrambler takes children for a ride at the Upper Peninsula State Fair last week. The Fair Authority recently reported that a record number of entries were seen at the 2026 fair. (R. R. Branstrom)
Agriculture, midway excitement, vendors and fairgoers came together under the lights of the 2026 U.P. State Fair, capturing the spirit of this year’s “United in Fun” theme and bringing another memorable week. (Photo by Upper Limits Media, LLC)
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ESCANABA -- The 2026 U.P. State Fair wrapped up on Sunday following a record-setting week celebrating agriculture, entertainment, community and America's 250th anniversary under the theme "United in Fun." An estimated 108,500 entries passed through the gates at Michigan's only state fair this year, an increase of approximately 8% over 2025.
Saturday marked a record attendance day, while strong crowds throughout the week filled the midway, livestock barns, exhibit buildings and grandstand. Skerbeck Entertainment Group, the fair's longtime midway partner, reported ride revenue up another 1.5% over 2025.
Grandstand entertainment presented by Island Resort & Casino was once again among the week's biggest draws. Daughtry performed to a capacity crowd on Friday, while Phil Vassar and Midland added to an outstanding concert lineup. The ATV Thrill Show and UPW Uprising Wrestling brought even more variety to the grandstand, while the Woodland Sky Dance Company and Sebastian Gaskin delivered a memorable celebration of Native American culture and tradition.
"One of the things we're especially proud of is the value we're able to offer our fairgoers," said Vickie Micheau, executive director of the Delta County Chamber of Commerce, managing agency for the U.P. State Fair. "Once you come through the gates, there is just so much to see and do without spending another dollar. Our headline grandstand entertainment, daily shows, exhibits, activities and so much more are all included with gate admission. We work very hard to make sure the U.P. State Fair remains a place where families can spend the whole day together, have a great time, and make some wonderful memories while getting a lot of value from their admission. Keeping the fair fun and reasonably-priced for families is something that is very important to us."
Agriculture and youth achievement remained at the heart of the Fair, culminating Saturday with the largest Junior Market Livestock Auction in Fair history. A record 250 lots generated $658,434.09 in sales, demonstrating extraordinary support for the young people who spend months raising and preparing their market projects.
The 2026 auction also marked the successful addition of poultry and other small-market animal projects, expanding opportunities for young exhibitors. Generosity continued beyond the auction ring, with a record $10,458 contributed through the Lori Branstrom Memorial, continuing Branstrom's legacy of supporting youth, agriculture and the U.P. State Fair.
Throughout the week, livestock exhibitors, still exhibitors, and hundreds of vendors helped create the experience generations of families have come to associate with the U.P. State Fair. Fair officials expressed their appreciation to each exhibitor and vendor whose hard work, creativity and commitment are essential to the fair's continued success.
The fair's "United in Fun" theme provided a fitting backdrop for the celebration of America's 250th anniversary. Special events throughout the week included Native American Awareness Day, the recognition of the U.P. Veteran of the Year and a visit from Michigan Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist for the traditional luncheon.
Fairgoers also discovered plenty of experiences unique to 2026, including Nancy Baker's remarkable 650-pound cheese sculpture, Martinez Sand Sculptures, Bob the Burro and the People Mover, Drift Spa, and line dancing classes and competition. Together with livestock shows, educational exhibits, music, demonstrations and family entertainment throughout the grounds, the attractions offered something new to discover each day.
The week also celebrated an important investment in the future of the U.P. State Fairgrounds with a ribbon-cutting for the new campground bathhouse. The ADA-accessible facility adds modern public restrooms and shower facilities to the grounds and represents another step in the ongoing effort to improve the fairgrounds for fairgoers, campers and the many events that use the campus throughout the year.
"As wonderful as the attendance numbers are, what really stands out is the tremendous support behind this Fair," said Authority Chair Matt Jensen. "Our exhibitors, vendors, sponsors, volunteers, staff, community partners and fairgoers all have a hand in its success. There are countless people working before, during and after fair week to make this event possible, and we are incredibly grateful to every one of them."
The 2026 U.P. State Fair concluded Sunday evening with Escanaba Motor Speedway racing and a spectacular fireworks display sponsored by Skerbeck Entertainment Group.
With another successful fair in the books, planning is already beginning for 2027 as the U.P. State Fair moves ever closer to an especially significant milestone -- its Centennial Celebration in 2028.
For nearly a century, the U.P. State Fair has brought generations together to celebrate the people, agriculture and traditions of the Upper Peninsula. If the record-setting crowds of 2026 are any indication, that tradition is stronger than ever.