ESCANABA, Mich. (WLUC) – The 96th annual UP State Fair begins Monday afternoon at the UP State Fairgrounds.

Skerbeck Entertainment Group is back at the fairgrounds, offering food, fun and rides for the whole family. Other returning attractions include K-9s in Flight, the Dog Show Spectacular and an expanded Ladies Day featuring a cooking show sponsored by Island Resort & Casino.

The Delta County Area Chamber of Commerce manages the fair for the UP State Fair Authority. Chamber executive director Vickie Micheau says the fair is also trying new features this year. That includes turning off the lights and music at the fairground for two hours.

“Sometimes people are a little intimidated by all the lights and noises and are hesitant to come to the fairgrounds and experience what the fair has to offer,” Micheau said.

The Sensory Friendly Midway takes place on Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Micheau says if the event is successful, it will expand to multiple days next year.

Another new feature is the wellness theme on Wednesday, which includes special activities for older adults and a vendor tent.

“Once people walk through the gates, there’s just a lot of activity,” Micheau said. “There’s a lot going on at the fairgrounds. We encourage people to come and spend the day or the whole week there.”

Gates open at 5pm on Monday. Click here for more opening times, information and tickets.

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