ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – Between August 17 and 23, more than 100,000 people are expected to visit the U.P. State Fair.
Right now, the fairgrounds are quiet. It may seem like the calm before the storm, but in reality, there is a lot going on behind the scenes to ensure the U.P. State Fair is a success.
“It’s a lot of excitement, there’s a little bit of stress, and there’s a little bit of relief when it all goes well,” said Fairgrounds Operations Manager Matt Valiquette.
Recently, some livestock trends have changed.
“Over the last three years, we’ve seen a significant increase in the number of pigs registered for the fair,” Valiquette said. “Some of the barns have little areas for the exhibitors to gather. The Swine Barn was the one exception to that.”
To support the rising number of swine exhibitors, crews have constructed an office and exhibitor lounge inside the Swine Barn. The U.P. Steam and Gas Engine Association provided lumber from its sawmill, keeping the cost of the facilities down.
“We demoed two very obsolete, dilapidated restrooms, along with an attic space,” said Valiquette. “Folks can keep an eye on the animals and just enjoy each other’s company during the week of the fair.”
Thanks to a DNR Trust Fund Grant, a years-long project is nearly complete. Crews are building a bath house for campers staying on the north side of the grounds.
“In the past, they would have to walk into the grounds if they wanted to use the showers or the restrooms, which wasn’t really convenient,” Valiquette explained. “For events like the fair where the gates are locked, it made it almost impossible. We started construction this past April, and we have some great partners with Cross General Contracting and all of their subs and Dynamic Design. Having that modern bath house actually positioned in the pocket park campground itself is a huge boost to our amenities.”
Much of the fairgrounds’ electrical infrastructure is 75 to 80 years old, making significant upgrades a priority
“With all of the vendors and all of the campers, and they all have AC units, and it takes a toll,” said Valiquette. “We installed a brand new transformer with a high-power tension line over the top. We segregated the beef barn and a good segment of the midway on its own transformer, so hopefully it’ll improve the reliability of power.”
Sometimes, there are unplanned issues to tackle. Just a couple of weeks ago, a lightning strike knocked out power to 30 campsites.
“We’re thankful for the partnerships that we have with Jay King up at the terrace who lent his Ditch Witch so we could dig a new trench,” Valiquette said. “Rob at Freedom Electric, we were able to put a whole new line in. It took out about 300 feet. Very expensive. Hopefully the insurance claim comes through, but we’ll have that up and ready just in time.”
While fairgoers may not see the hard work that happens before the gates open, it is all being done to improve their experience at the U.P. State Fair.
“The other 51 weeks of the year are exceptionally important to make that one week happen,” said Valiquette. “This is a U.P. community resource, so we take that role and that responsibility very seriously, and we hope folks have a good time.”
WZMQ 19 News will have live reports from the U.P. State Fair every day at 6/5c. To see what’s in store at this year’s fair, visit upstatefair.net.
