After year off, Upper Peninsula State Fair sets records

ESCANABA, Mich. (AP) — Who doesn’t like a corn dog? Attendance at the Upper Peninsula State Fair in Escanaba was up 3% to nearly 100,000 people, with records set on four of the seven days.

The mid-August fair was canceled in 2020 because of COVID-19. Organizers attributed the good turnout to dry weather and a desire to again enjoy a summer tradition.

Skerbeck Entertainment Group, which supplies the rides, says unlimited ride passes were sold out two weeks earlier than usual. Sonja Skerbeck says that was an indicator that attendance would be strong.

Livestock auctions raised more than $491,000 for young exhibitors.