ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – Setup is underway for the 95th annual U.P. State Fair in Escanaba.
Crews are putting rides together on the midway and cleaning up the Ruth Butler Building and grandstand seats. In the livestock barns, all the pens, watering systems, and milking stations are being installed.
According to U.P. State Fair Operations Manager Matt Valiquette, it takes a lot of quick work to prepare the fairgrounds after major events like Northern Lights Music Fest and the National Trappers Convention.
“We had roughly 48 hours after the Trappers Convention to turn it around and begin setting it up, which is extensive setup requirements to meet the standards for the livestock,” said Valiquette. “This is the only state fair in the state of Michigan, so there’s just so many moving pieces to make this happen.”
On Friday, August 11, WZMQ 19 News will have a more in-depth look at preparations for fair week at 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time. WZMQ 19 is an official sponsor of the 2023 U.P. State Fair.
