ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – The U.P. State Fair continued on Friday with something for the ladies and something for the men.
Ladies’ Day featured a Taste of the Island cooking show and recipe contest. At the beginning of the program, attendees enjoyed cooking demonstrations by Kristina Pomeroy, the Conventions Executive Chef for The Island Resort & Casino, and “The Yooper Goddess” Lori Kulju.
In the weeks leading up to the recipe contest, participants submitted their best recipes featuring ingredients sourced in the Upper Peninsula. During the Ladies’ Day activities, each recipe was evaluated by a panel of judges—Bobbi Ryan of Jack’s Restaurant and The Brisket Barn, Vicki Griggs of The Island Resort & Casino, and WZMQ 19 Escanaba Bureau Reporter Lily Simmons.
“We did this at The Island Resort & Casino last year, and we’re going to do it again this winter,” Island Food and Beverage Director Stephen Gakstatter said of the Taste of the Island show. “You get to meet a lot of great people. I love doing this. You really get to see some great recipes from the past. Some of the ladies bring in recipes and they have stories. It’s a great atmosphere. It’s a lot of fun.”
For Men’s Night, The Island Resort & Casino sponsored a full evening of activities that included hunting and golf simulators, massages, blackjack, prize drawings, and drinks provided by South City Pub.
“It really is a partnership to get people into the activities tent and know what is going on in here in the evening on Fridays,” said Island Resort & Casino Player Services Manager Robin Bourdeau.
As a proud Reserve Champion Sponsor of the 2024 U.P. State Fair and a Ladies Day partner, WZMQ 19 hosted a livestream of the cooking show and recipe contest. To view the stream, click here.
