Horse and steer shows highlight day at the fair
The U.P. State Fair continued today and featured two shows that showcased Michigan’s youth and their four-legged friends.
The Junior Horse Show began at 8:30 a.m. and featured several breeds of stallions and mares. At 9 a.m. the Junior Steer Show began where the kids paraded their charges around a pen to be reviewed by three judges.
The DNR is even involved with the fair with their pocket park, in which fair-goers can fire pellet guns, try their hand at archery and more.
“On Wednesday we’re having Smoky the Bear’s birthday party over at the sponsor tent from 1:30 to 3:30, because it’s Smoky the Bear’s 70th birthday this year,” DNR Education Specialist Janet Canode said.
The U.P. State Fair features everyday attractions like the petting zoo, complete with camels and kangaroo, and carnival rides, but there’s more to it that makes it special.
“It’s like coming home to another family for me,” Canode said, “because I come up for 11 days to Escanaba and I know all these volunteers, and I’ve learned to really love them as family so that’s my favorite part.”
Even some overcast skies, a few raindrops and some chilling wind couldn’t cancel the fun at the U.P. State Fair today.