The U.P. State Fair concluded this week; though not record-breaking, it was another great year of affordable family fun, despite facing some challenging weather conditions and a temporary power outage.
The 96th annual fair opened on Monday, Aug. 12 and ran through Sunday, Aug. 18. Throughout the week, attendees experienced a variety of activities, including special celebrations, livestock shows and auctions, carnival rides and games, live music performances, and an array of vendors showcasing their products and culinary delights.
Unfortunately, this year’s fair was met with less-than-ideal weather for some of the key days.
Rain and overcast skies affected attendance and event schedules. The fairgrounds saw sporadic showers and downpouring rain on Thursday and Friday, which led to some events being delayed or rescheduled and keeping the crowds away.
While the final accounting is not yet completed, final attendance will likely show a slight decrease of about 4% in attendance – just shy of 100,000 guests coming through the gates. This year’s income for exhibitors selling animals during the Jr. Market Livestock Auction also decreased by 4% when compared to the previous year.
In addition to the weather, a brief power outage on Wednesday added to the challenges. The outage affected several areas of the fairgrounds, including the ticket gates and main office. Thanks to the swift response from Freedom Electric (the fair’s electrical subcontractor), the City of Escanaba, Sunbelt Rentals, and Skerbeck Entertainment Group, power was restored and the fair quickly resumed normal operations.
Despite these obstacles, fair organizers are pleased with the turnout and the overall success of the event. “We faced some significant challenges this year, but the spirit of the fairgoers and the dedication of our staff, volunteers and Authority members made it an unforgettable week,” said Vickie Micheau, Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce, the Management Agency of the U.P. State Fair. “We appreciate the patience and understanding of everyone who attended and supported the fair through the ups and downs.”
“On the upside, the Skerbeck Entertainment Group has been a fabulous partner. They do a wonderful job with the carnival midway, and they hit an all-time company record for any fair or any festival with this fair,” said Micheau.
Micheau also highlighted the invaluable support from sponsors and financial contributors.
“The U.P. State Fair does rely on grants and the generous support of sponsors and financial contributors. Revenue for both categories was up this year and the funds were used to help underwrite the wide array of attractions, entertainment, and educational programs that drew thousands of visitors to the fair. We are deeply grateful to our sponsors for their unwavering commitment and support, which allow us to continue this cherished annual event.”
As the fair wraps up, planning for next year’s event is already underway. “We’re committed to learning from this year’s experiences and making improvements to ensure an even better fair next year,” added Steve Palosaari, U.P. State Fair Authority Chair. “We look forward to welcoming everyone back on August 11th 2025, the opening day of the 97th Annual U.P. State Fair.”
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