ESCANABA - Lots of preparations were put into making this year's Upper Peninsula State Fair in Escanaba the best ever - including a gate admission that includes free grandstand events.
"The biggest highlight is that the grandstand events are included in the gate admission," said Scott Staelgraeve, fair manager. This year's admission to the fair costs $8 for adults, $6 for youth ages 6-12 years, and free for children 5 years and under.
"We expect a great turnout," he added. "We feel we provide a good value for the price. It's all about having fun."
The fair runs through Sunday. Hours are 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. today through Sunday.
Today kicks off the free grandstand shows with the Tuff Truck Spectacular Show at 7 p.m. County singer Tracey Lawrence will be featured at 8 p.m. Wednesday. Country singer Craig Morgan will perform at 8 p.m. Thursday. Rock band Finger Eleven will be Friday's grandstand highlight beginning at 8 p.m. A demolition derby is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Saturday.
In addition to the five nightly grandstand events, there are daily performances of bands and other acts along the midway each day of the fair, Staelgraeve said.
Pirate Island, across from the DNR Pocket Park, is an interactive pirate show where kids can dress up as pirates and mermaids and go on a treasure hunt, Staelgraeve explained. Caboodlestoppers describes itself as a "Wacky Wild West Show" of a variety of family comedy consisting of skits and songs on midway stage.
Also new at the fair is the remodeled school exhibit building with a new school house, a project in the making, Staelgraeve said.
The DNR Pocket Park building has also been recently remodeled, he said. Activities there throughout the week include fishing, a mineral display, campfire cooking tips, live raptors, monarch butterfly tagging, turkey hunting tips, a marshmallow roast and scavenger hunts. Familiar food vendors will be set up along the midway including french fries, Croatian chicken, elephant ears, corn dogs, pizza and other fair foods. A new food offered at the fair this year is the "hot beef sundae" made up of mashed potatoes, beef and gravy topped with a cherry tomato, Staelgraeve said.
Skerbeck Carnival is once again providing the games and rides along the midway. Also featured will be Oscar the Robot, the Fourth Avenue strolling singing group and the Whispering Pines Animal Kingdom petting zoo. The Bingo tent will be available.
Special events are planned for each day of the fair starting with today as Youth Day. Wednesday is Senior Citizen Day in the big top tent. Thursday is Ladies Day including a baking contest on ethnic foods.
Friday is Governor's Day and Veterans' Day. Tickets for the noon lunch with the governor are available from the Delta County Area Chamber of Commerce. The Veteran of the Year ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. at the flag pole in front of the grandstand.
Saturday is Agriculture Day. A car show will be in the big top tent. Sunday is Family Day with a dog show and a fun pet show scheduled in the activities tent.
Also featured at the fair will be the Miracle of Life exhibit and the U.P. Steam and Gas Village. Growing UP Foresters will include exhibits and timber shows. A variety of livestock and horse shows will take place throughout the week.
A Wellness Fair will be held in the grandstand concourse area. A variety of vendors will set up booths in the Ruth Butler Building. Other exhibition buildings will display local talent in crafts, photography, baked and canned goods, and other items.
"Many of us place time spent at the fair with family and friends among our favorite childhood memories," Staelgraeve said in his welcome message to fairgoers. "I am glad to say that the 2008 Upper Peninsula State Fair continues the tradition of showcasing our cultural heritage while offering fun and excitement to fairgoers of all ages."