State, county fairs and special events bring Michiganders together
At the UP State Fair, 13-year-old McKennon Hill (far right) is joined by Enbridge’s Brian Trekas and Heather DuRoy. Hill, from Barry County, MI, was showing a steer at the fair for the second time.
Communities experience benefits of Enbridge’s Line 5 in action
Aug. 25, 2021
Generations of families and friends have gathered to enjoy the races, music, rides, corndogs, cotton candy, and camaraderie synonymous with the traditions of Michigan’s state and county fairs. Integral also to Michigan’s farming and agricultural communities, fairs showcase prize-winning produce and feature livestock auctions that support a number of educational and not-for-profit endeavors.
“For decades, festival goers have flocked to Michigan’s fairs,” said Paul Meneghini, manager of Enbridge’s community engagement and a native Michigander.
“As children, most of us looked forward to the rides, fun, food and getting a chance to see the livestock up close. As an adult, I still look forward to them, though with the added dimension of pride in knowing my employer supports the fairs in a variety of ways.”
Enbridge was a sponsor at the main gate at the Cheboygan County Fair, which concluded Aug. 14, and made a very positive impression on the Francisco family at the Calhoun County Fair, which ended Aug. 21.
Proud father Neal Francisco extended appreciation to Enbridge in an email.
“Thank you again for buying my daughter Kelsey’s steer at the Calhoun County Fair Auction!” Francisco wrote. “It has been a special year for my daughter showing her steer. This was our first home bred steer from our small herd that we have shown.”
Additionally, the Upper Peninsula State Fair generally attracts hundreds of thousands of fairgoers. When the State transferred ownership of the fairground’s operation to the Upper Peninsula State Fair Authority, the State no longer provided financial appropriation.
Enbridge participated in an Aug. 21 parade celebrating St. Ignace's 350th birthday.
The decreased funding elevated the importance of local businesses supporting the largest event in the Upper Peninsula, an area in which 65 percent of propane supply comes from Enbridge Line 5.
Enbridge provided a $10,000 sponsorship to support the 2021 Upper Peninsula State Fair, which ran through Aug. 22 in Escanaba.
“People often hear about Enbridge Line 5, though they might not understand fully how Line 5 and Enbridge are integral to the broader community,” continued Meneghini.
“Along with the sponsorships, the tents, chairs, food containers, wiring cables, games, and hundreds of other items are byproducts of the energy that Line 5 transports. While we are a proud sponsor of the fairs, we are equally pleased that the product we transport safely each day through Line 5 helps make these Michigan traditions possible.”
Special events, festivals are important too
In addition to the Upper Peninsula State Fair, Enbridge sponsored the first-aid station for the Aug. 7 Pine Mountain 500, a race up the ski step stairs, as well as a Kids Day and Veterans Day at the Northwestern Michigan Fair in Grand Traverse County. It also sponsored rodeo night as part of the Otsego County Fair in Gaylord, and provided sponsorship for the Gogebic County Fair.
Among the many fairs and events, Enbridge also joined an Aug. 21 parade to help celebrate St. Ignace’s 350th birthday. It also has plans underway to sponsor the Iron County Fair and Rodeo, and the Dickinson County Fair, both of which start Sept. 2.
“It’s important for us to support all types of community events,” said Emma Cook, an Enbridge community engagements senior analyst. “This is our home, and we have a stake in making this a great place to live.”
Enbridge also supports Bridge the Gap, which helps Michigan communities on several levels. The group builds stronger relationships between youth and police officers and strengthens bonds with communities.
Bridge the Gap strengthens the relationship between law enforcement and the community in Michigan.
“Enbridge has been fully supportive of me volunteering my time with Bridge the Gap,” said Candice Braddock, an Enbridge community engagement senior advisor. “They understand the importance of serving communities where we live and work.”
She added: “I’m proud that Enbridge sponsored both the Saginaw and upcoming Midland Feed the City events.”
One of the last events planned of the summer happens on Aug. 31 with Feed the City 2021 at the Midland Center for the Arts.
While the summer fair and festivals draw to a close, fall events are just around the corner.
