By R.R. BRANSTROM

Daily Press

ESCANABA — The 77th Annual Great Lakes Logging and Heavy Equipment Expo, organized by the Great Lakes Timber Professionals Association (GLTPA) out of Rhinelander, Wis., is coming to the Upper Peninsula State Fairgrounds Sept. 7 through 9. A $20 admission fee grants the bearer access to events for all three days (Thursday to Saturday). Kids under age 18 may enter for free. Tickets for Saturday only will be reduced.

The exposition will run from 12 to 5 p.m. on the first day, Thursday, Sept. 7. An opening ceremony at 5:30 follows the main event. At 6 p.m., a kickoff party sponsored by Ponsse gathers vendors and attendees. $30 entry tickets to the kickoff, which includes a meal and raffles, may be available to the public, but there is a limited number of spots.

Shows and activities continue on Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Confirmed events include a forwarder competition, which challenges experienced machine operators against each other into a side-by-side timed course; a show load contest, wherein trucks are judged on their loads and safety; a tug-of-war; a bowling pin toss; and booths and games for kids.

Details on which events will take place and when will be posted to the website (gltpa.org) as they develop. A complete list of participating vendors and their designated location on the fairgrounds is online as well.

A total of 285 vendors had already signed up. Applications to join the expo may be found online at gltpa.org; alternatively, registration can be made by phone at (715) 304-2861. Laurie at GLTPA said she will continue accepting applications for exhibitors and vendors throughout August as long as there is room.