R. R. Branstrom | Daily Press St. Vincent de Paul warehouse truck driver Fred Willis unloads food donations collected by the Daily Press at the U.P. Ice Fishing and Hunting Expo, which was held over the weekend at the Upper Peninsula State Fairgrounds. Before the shelf-stable goods were loaded into the van pictured, they filled 28 boxes in eight shopping carts; they have since entered the food pantry at SVDP in Escanaba. SVDP was one of two nonprofits that attendees of the expo could choose to contribute to; pet supplies and monetary donations were also gathered for the Delta Animal Shelter.

By R. R. Branstrom

rbranstrom@dailypress.net

ESCANABA — The third annual U.P. Ice Fishing and Hunting Expo that was held over the weekend — Sept. 20 to 22 — at the U.P. State Fairgrounds brought 70 vendors and organizations to the Ruth Butler building and a number of visitors “comparable to last year,” said Daily Press Publisher Sarah Maki.

In lieu of a set admission price, guests were asked to bring an item to donate — either a canned food good or something for the Delta Animal Shelter, which is always in need of cleaning products and pet food. The shelter collected most of their haul — $558.25 in cash, wet and dry dog and cat food, treats and toys — immediately after the event on Sunday, thanking the expo organizers at the Daily Press for selecting them as a beneficiary.

On Monday morning, when an employee from St. Vincent de Paul arrived at the fairgrounds to pick up the food donations, he had to leave and return with a bigger truck after seeing the eight shopping carts filled with 28 boxes and totes of cans, boxes, bags and bottles of shelf-stable food items.

The Press, St. Vinnie’s and the Delta Animal Shelter are grateful to all the guests for their generosity.

Vendors did well, many reporting better sales than last year despite smaller crowds than what was hoped for. Some people postulated that Escanaba’s homecoming game on Friday, the unseasonably sunny weather on Saturday, and rain on Sunday might have kept people elsewhere. Discussions are underway about getting more signage out next year.

Blade’s Bait and Tackle succeeded in selling a Wilcraft, which, as a multi-purpose amphibious ice fishing vehicle and shelter, was probably the biggest-ticket item at the show.

Hardcore Outfitters, based in Iron Mountain, had booth space this year and is interested in partnering as a major sponsor in 2025. They would join returning partners Blade’s, Fishing 4All Seasons, Up North Journal, WZMQ 19 News and others.