ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – Another U.P. State Fair has officially begun in Escanaba.
The fair gates opened at 5 p.m., welcoming a large crowd of people. Opening day attendees got the first look at this year’s midway rides, food vendors, live entertainment, and livestock.
Even though the fair officially started in the evening, the excitement began early in the day. Children and teens competed in horse shows in the morning, followed by the annual Royal Court ceremony, sponsored by WZMQ 19 News.
WZMQ Escanaba Reporter Lily Simmons had the honor of acting as emcee for the event. The judges crowned Lydia Mallory the Jr. Princess and Kadence Lemansky the Princess. Merlot Williams of Gladstone was named Queen Runner-Up, and Charlee Klink of Garden was named the 2026 U.P. State Fair Queen.
“I’m feeling really excited, really happy,” Klink said after the ceremony. “Last year, I applied and I got runner-up, which was a little sad, but I was also like, ‘Okay, I’ve got to try again next year because I want to do good.’ It just means a lot because now I get to represent the fair that I went to since I was a little kid. You get to walk around with a crown on and all the little kids smiling at you. It’s just a really great feeling.”
Prior to fair week, contestants had to write an essay, complete an autobiography, and construct a sponsor sash and poster. Those projects were factored into the judges’ decisions, along with the contestants’ knowledge of the fair.
“It was a little bit of hard work, but it definitely paid off,” said Klink. “I’d like to thank all my family members for helping me with all of this, and my aunt, who was my sponsor this year. I’m very grateful for all of it.”
The U.P. State Fair continues on August 18 with Chewsday Tuesday. Horse and livestock shows begin at 9:00 a.m., buildings and exhibits open at 10:30 a.m., and the carnival midway opens at 11:00 a.m. Participating food vendors will offer reduced portions of select items at a discounted price until 4:00 p.m. The midway will be sensory-friendly from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m., featuring reduced lights and sounds.
For a full list of attractions and activities throughout the week at the U.P. State Fair, visit upstatefair.net.
