Event marks 96 years of celebrating Michigan

Thousands attend Upper Peninsula State Fair

Aug. 21, 2024

The pure joy and excitement that permeated Michigan in mid-August had little to do with Michiganders preparing to return to school.

The laughter, fun and excitement centered on the week-long Upper Peninsula (UP) State Fair, held Aug. 12-18 in Escanaba.

Since its 1928 inception, the annual UP State Fair has attracted thousands of Michiganders and visitors eager to ride the Ferris wheel, attend the livestock auction or enjoy a smorgasbord of various foods while live music pulsates throughout the fairgrounds.

“The UP State Fair is a tradition for many Michiganders, including me,” said Lauren Brown, an Enbridge community engagement advisor based in northern Michigan. “The fair provides an excellent opportunity to have meaningful conversation with UP families and learn about their energy needs.

“There also never is a shortage of fun or food—vendors sell everything from cheese curds to hot dogs and kettle corn to funnel cakes. The combination of food, music and attractions showcases the best of Michigan, especially in terms of our culture and heritage.”

 

“The UP State Fair is one of my favorite Michigan traditions. It keeps us connected as communities come together and share.”

—Lauren Brown, Enbridge’s community engagement advisor in northern Michigan

A St. Ignace native and resident, Brown joined several Enbridge colleagues to staff a booth at the event for which Enbridge is a sponsor. In addition to its sponsorship, Enbridge is active in the 4-H livestock auction.

“We had another successful livestock auction this year,” said Brown. “We purchased 12 animals (goats, lambs, hogs and steer) from eight Michigan counties. In the coming weeks, area pantries will receive more than 5,000 pounds of donated meat to share it with those who need it most.”

Additionally, Brown shared that local youth would benefit from $30,000 generated through the auction. Enbridge also will be raffling prime cuts of beef, with proceeds being directed to the United Way.

“The auction helps provide food to Michigan food pantries,” said Brown, “while supporting the great work of 4-H. We are proud that Michiganders continue to receive the benefits from a great partnership between the UP State Fair and Enbridge.”

Even a three-hour power outage Wednesday afternoon did not dampen Michiganders’ enthusiasm.

Event organizers anticipated record-breaking attendance at this year’s event, bolstered in part by a cornhole tournament.