ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – Workers in the timber and logging industries are in Escanaba this week for an annual gathering.
The Great Lakes Timber Professionals Association (GLTPA) is hosting its 79th annual Logging & Heavy Equipment Expo at the U.P. State Fairgrounds September 4 – 6. Escanaba is one of two rotating locations for the event.
“The tradition is to go from Michigan to Wisconsin,” said show announcer Peter Denman. “It made sense that one year we would have it in Michigan and one year we would have it in Green Bay. The Upper Peninsula State Fairgrounds is a perfect venue for this type of show.”
More than 200 exhibitors are in attendance this year, including featured sponsor Fabick Cat. Each exhibitor has its newest products on display, showcasing the latest developments in logging technology.
“The idea is to have the loggers and the people working in the industry come here, meet the manufacturers, see what’s new in the industry, and also share their stories,” Denman said. “The timber industry in the states of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan is not what it used to be, so they have to be smarter and work better.”
The expo also features a chainsaw competition, product demonstrations, a Knights of Columbus pancake breakfast on Saturday, and other activities. Click here to see the full schedule of events.
The expo runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday. Admission is $20 for the weekend, $10 for veterans, and free for those under 18 years of age.
