Noah Johnson Daily Press Mark Cowman, of the Delta County Chamber of Commerce, unveils the entertainment and activities for 2025 U.P. State Fair at the Island Resort and Casino.

ESCANABA — The entertainment lineup and activities for the 2025 Annual U.P. State Fair were announced Wednesday at the Island Resort and Casio in Harris.

The week of music, rides, games, shows and food returns to U.P. State Fairgrounds on Aug. 11 through Aug. 17. Grandstand entertainment includes a cornhole tournament on Monday. Musical acts take over the stage Tuesday with the Beatles Tribute band The Fab Four. On Wednesday, the band Diamond Rio is the featured entertainment. Thursday features Snotty Nose Rez Kids. Justin Moore performs Friday with Pop Evil and UPW Uprising Wrestling finishing off fair week.

Hannahvile Tribal Council Chairperson Kenneth Meshigaud spoke at the event before the fair details were released. The tribe is a partner with the U.P. State Fairgrounds.

Meshigaud said the tribe has always been proud to support and assist in activities in Delta County.

“We’re all in this together,” he said.

Mark Cowman, of the Delta County Chamber of Commerce, emceed the event, covering each day of the week during the fair.

Before revealing the week’s schedule, a new ride coming to the fair was announced.

The Overdrive, created by Skerbeck Entertainment Group, with an elevated deck and a spinning car will make its debut this year.

“It’s fast, it’s fun, it’s new, and it’s on the U.P. State Fair Midway,” Cowman said.

There are a variety of free events on the midway, including the acrobat extravaganza, the strolling piano, the bingo tent, the robotics fair play, and Martinez sand sculptures.

In addition, there are events fun for the whole family, including the Whispering Pines Animal Kingdom, Growing UP Foresters, and a chance to witness master carver Sarah Kaufmann craft a sculpture completely out of cheese.

Those looking to go back in time can visit the Steam and Gas Village, where guests can enjoy weaving and woodworking and get a look around the sawmill.

Nature lovers can head over to DNR Pocket Park for free fishing, archery and pellet-gun shooting.

Those thirsty and over 21 can swing over to the beer tent for a brew, where Upper Hand Brewery will unveil a fair-themed beer on opening day.

“I want you to get ready for a week packed with non-stop excitement, entertainment, and unforgettable memories. Here’s what’s happening every day at the State Fair this year,” Cowman said.

The week kicks off on Monday when the fair gates open at 5 p.m., with Associate Director for the Chamber Shelia Krueger will perform the national anthem.

Following the anthem, guests will be treated to a fun horse show, an acrobat extravaganza, and one of the most anticipated events: the queen court crowning in the beef show ring.

The night concludes with a corn hole tournament in the grandstand.

“Cheer on your favorite team as the bags fly over the place and fun heats up,” Cowman said.

Tuesday is “Chewsday,” where participating food vendors will offer samples and discounts.

Tuesday is also sensory day at the fair, where lights and sounds will be limited from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

It’s also a great day for animal lovers, according to Cowman, as there will be junior horse shows, market beef shows, the junior beef cattle show, and the junior and rabbit shows.

The day is capped off by a performance in the grandstand by Beatles tribute band, the Fab Four: The Ultimate Tribute.

“With the buildings and exhibits open throughout the day and the barn buzzing with activities, Tuesday at the fair is a can’t miss celebration of community, talent, and good eats,” Cowman said.

Wednesday is Wellness Wednesday and Senior Citizens Day, sponsored by Community Action.

“Senior citizens, get in for just $5, and there’s a full slate of activities in the Grand Stand Concourse that are tailored just for them. You get to take a break for a hearty lunch during the middle of the day with the congregant meal program. With a suggested donation of just $4, it’s a deal that can’t be beat,” Cowman said.

Over in the barns, there will be a livestock showcase, including a market swine show, a market lam show, and open sheep shows.

Country music band Diamond Rio concludes the event with a performance in the grandstand.

Thursday is Honored Citizens Day, honoring various members of different communities.

“From our Native American neighbors to our veterans and civic leaders.

Native American visitors receive a $5 admission, and veterans will be getting in for free as a thank-you for their service and contributions. The day starts off with a touching veterans of war ceremony recognizing those who gave above and beyond for their country and their community,” Cowman said.

At lunchtime, registered guests will have a luncheon with Governor Gretchen Whitmer. The day is also President’s Day, a day of welcoming fair and festival professionals from across the state.

Head over to the ring for the popular open beef cattle show, junior dairy show, open dairy show, junior and open poultry show, miniature horse show and a horse jumping show

“There’s also the overall livestock showmanship and showmanship contest where the best of the best compete to be crowned top exhibitor. That is a fair tradition that is steeped in pride and showmanship,” Cowman said.

The day concludes in the grandstand with a performance by hip-hop group Snotty Nose Rez Kids (SNRK), whose music is focused on growing up on reservations and Native identity.

Friday is a day of relaxation presented by Island Resort and Casino Drift Spa.

Local providers and industry professionals will provide complimentary services, demonstrations and presentations.

It’s also a great day for horse lovers as there will be an open halter and an English show, followed by western trail classes, a type of competition where horses and riders show off their precision and skill.

The day concludes with a performance by country artist Justin Moore.

Saturday is Agriculture Day, which is presented by Tractor Supply.

The day includes horse speed events and the junior market livestock auction, where attendees can take home locally raised meat.

It’s a perfect day for dog lovers as D&D Dog Dynamics and UP Dynamic Dogs for a dog show, including cute costumes and obstacle courses.

The rock band Pop Evil caps off the night with a performance in the grandstand.

The final day, Sunday, is Family and Scout Day, where scouts in uniform get free admission as long as a paying adult accompanies them.

Wrestling fans get a chance to experience UPW Uprising, a night of live wrestling.

To cap off the week, Skerbeck Entertainment Group is providing a fireworks show on the grandstand.

“A spectacular show of lights and color brings the 2025 UP State Fair to a dazzling close. It’s a perfect ending for a week full of memories, laughter, and community pride,” Cowman said.

Following the event, Hannahville Culture Manager Molly Meshigaud said the tribes’ involvement is slightly different than in years past.

“We will be trying to incorporate a little bit of culture into the beginning of the show,” she said.

Hannahville is currently running a program called PowWow Club, where six youth, girls or boys, between the ages of 10 and 17, are currently working on their PowWow outfits for the fair.

She also talked about the band SNRK performing and how important it is for tribal members to be represented.

SNRK is an award-winning band from a tribe that is smaller than the Hannahville reservation.

“I think that is a really powerful thing for our youth to see it on stage this year at the fair,” she said.

In years past, the tribe provided educational performances, but wanted to mix it up for 2025.

“I think it’s important for us to not just educate through the like shows that we were doing, but also show that we do have Native American performers as well. Just kind of like I said, to break down some of those stereotypes, and that community building is really important,” she said.

For more information regarding the 2025 UP State Fair, visit www.upstatefair.net.