Prepare to fish, hunt, craft
Two men wearing camouflage are in the woods on a hunting trip. (Photo courtesy of Rhett Noonan)
A sign at the Upper Peninsula State Fairgrounds welcomes visitors to an event geared towards anglers, hunters and outdoor enthusiasts. The event is open from noon to 8 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday. (Sophie Vogelmann | Daily Press)
Two men wearing camouflage are in the woods on a hunting trip. (Photo courtesy of Rhett Noonan)
A sign at the Upper Peninsula State Fairgrounds welcomes visitors to an event geared towards anglers, hunters and outdoor enthusiasts. The event is open from noon to 8 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday. (Sophie Vogelmann | Daily Press)
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ESCANABA -- Two events are on the Upper Peninsula State Fairgrounds today -- the fifth-annual U.P. Ice Fishing and Hunting Expo and the second-annual Craft it U.P. 906 Craft Show.
The expos began Friday and continue Saturday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. To enter, people are asked to donate a canned food good or a monetary donation for the Delta Animal Shelter.
In preparation for the upcoming hunting and ice fishing seasons, the first expo offers anglers, hunters and other outdoor enthusiasts the opportunity to connect with vendors and discover new products. Onsite will be dealers of fishing tackle, rods, furs, firearms and more; businesses whose services benefit outdoor recreation, like guides; and even a representative from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to provide safety tips.
The September 2025 expo attracted approximately 2,800 attendees and featured more than 70 vendors. Beyond its growth in attendance and vendor participation, the event has continued to make a positive impact on the local community. Donations collected during the 2025 expo included seven grocery carts filled with food for distribution to local food pantries as well as supplies and $988 for the animal shelter.
Geared towards the whole family, the Ice Fishing and Hunting Expo is accompanied by the Craft it U.P. 906 Craft Show, which was developed last year in response to community feedback calling for an event that would appeal to those less interested in hunting and fishing.
Adding to event options and fueling attendees, food trucks will also be at the grounds. The event is set in and near the Ruth Butler Building at the fairgrounds, located at 2401 12th Ave. N. in Escanaba.
The multi-part event is organized by the Daily Press and supported by major sponsors Blade’s Bait and Tackle, Bayshore Bait and Hideaway, L&M Fleet Supply and WZMQ 19 News.