A Glimpse at Entertainment at Michigan’s only State Fair
The U.P. State Fair never fails to deliver, and this year is no different with its unbeatable lineup of free midway entertainment from Aug. 16 through Aug. 22. Here’s a glimpse of what to expect on the Midway at Michigan’s only State Fair.
Preforming in over 25 different countries and receiving a yes from every judge during their America’s Got Talent audition in 2011, The ZuZu African Acrobats high energy show will return to the midway. Guests will be in awe as they blend fast-paced dance with acrobatic skills that many have acclaimed as one of the best live acrobatic shows in the world.
An annual fair tradition for many eager fairgoers includes a trip over to the Antique Steam & Gas Village. This old-time village is sure to be bustling with its displays of historic equipment, old-time shops, operating sawmill, and museum open to the public.
A familiar face of the forest can be seen floating above the midway this year as the Michigan DNR will be hosting the Smokey the Bear Hot Air Balloon. The balloon will be near the DNR Pocket Park Thursday morning, Friday evening, and Saturday afternoon. Youngsters are encouraged to cast a line or shoot for a bullseye while visiting the 1-acre Pocket Park that is a tribute to Michigan’s outdoor experience.
Joining the list of midway entertainment this year is another act that made its television debut on America’s Got Talent. “Those Funny Little People,” sponsored by Ember’s Credit Union, is an unforgettable mix of costumed characters that perform with music to make for an equally entertaining and funny show.
Don’t miss “The Mystical Bubble Show,” which takes a little soap and water to new heights with their human-sized bubbles and smoke bubbles that are sure to please any crowd. The Whispering Pines Animal Kingdom will also return to the U.P. State Fair with its band of critters from across the world like the Macaque Monkey and the Argentine Tegu.
The return of the Educational Pavilion Sponsored by Michigan Farm Bureau and Greenstone Farm Credit Services is sure to be a hit as it is every year. While there, fairgoers have the rare opportunity to witness the live birth of an array of livestock at The Miracle of Life Exhibit. Another Exhibit at the pavilion is the “Growing Up Foresters,” which creates a deeper meaning of our forests and how its products benefit our everyday lives. Lastly, visitors to the pavilion won’t want to miss unbelievable cheese creations in the making by Cheese Carver Sarah Kaufmann.
The Skerbeck Entertainment Group will bring back the thrills and excitement to the midway with their wide array of rides starting Monday at 5 pm. There’s no better view of everybody’s favorite fairgrounds flooded with the best fair food than from the top of the Ferris Wheel.
All midway entertainment at the U.P. State Fair is free apart from the rides, with general fair admission. To dive right into the fun upon arrival to the fair, tickets can be purchased online at upstatefair.net.
