ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – The U.P. Trappers Convention and Outdoor Expo is officially underway at the U.P. State Fairgrounds.
Vendors are set up inside the Ruth Butler Building, the grandstand building, and outside. Attendees can purchase a variety of trapping gear, rifles, knives, lures, furs, and other goods.
The convention continues on Saturday, July 12, with demonstrations by local, regional, and national trappers, including Paul Antczak of the History Channel’s Mountain Men. There will also be activities for children and food vendors on site.
“There’s going to be something for everyone at this convention,” said coordinator Mary Theoret. “Just come down and have a great time. There’s a lot to see and you won’t be disappointed.”
This is Theoret’s first year organizing the convention. While it has been a big undertaking, she says the event is off to a strong start.
“Working up to this, there were so many unknowns,” she said. “I’m a person that likes to know what’s going to happen and how it’s going to happen. Now that it’s actually happening, it’s just exciting!”
Theoret says she hopes the event raises awareness about the history of trapping and why it is such a prominent practice in the Upper Peninsula.
“Trapping is a management tool, and it’s a necessity,” she said. “I would like people to know more about trapping and why we do trapping.”
The U.P. Trappers Convention and Outdoor Expo runs from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. Admission is $10 for guests 13 and older.
For details about demonstrations and vendors, click here.
