UP State Fair

 

      As much as we have toured our adopted state and visited many things, the Upper Peninsula has always been our favorite venue.  We camp throughout here several times a summer while back in state but have never visited this fair.  The UP has a culture and charm all its own and we feel at home here.  Not much stress or outside influences affect these folks, after all they're just Yoopers and proud of it.  Even though they are a part of Michigan, the lower peninsula is, after all, down there......like trolls below the bridge.  

      We decided to stay over a couple of extra days on our way back from visiting our BFFs in Wisconsin.  We camped once again at Pioneer Park in Escanaba on the river.  This is located just 60 miles east of the Wisconsin border and 139 miles from the Mackinaw Bridge. $30 per day.  We have stayed here overnight many times on our treks east/west but this time we stayed over 4 days for the festivities.  Upper Peninsula State Fair 

      We had no particular itinerary other than to just walk around and see everything and eat well. 

 

      We couldn't find any of that unique, crazy food shown on the Food Channel's "Carnival Eats", but there was plenty of BBQ, Indian Tacos, Elephant Ears, Pizza, Polish Dogs, Fried Pork Chops, Deep Fried Oreos, Steak and Onions/Rice/Taters, Crotian Chicken, Stir Fry, Burgers, Hot Dogs, Popcorn, Ice Cream, many nuts/snacks, candied apples, and Cheese Curds, etc.  We tried to pace ourselves but drank plenty of lemon aide and water because it was hot.  The Midway was its usual busy self with many gut wrenching rides, but we didn't explore that because, well.....it's the Midway.  We did do all the exhibits and livestock barns.  It's always fun to see kids with their animals and ribbons.    

     While here over 2 days we dined on quite a bit of 'fair food' but did manage to make it back to camp each night for a home cooked meals of Venison Shank and Taters/Veg and Toad in the Hole (wait for the next blog chapter to explain this one). 

  

     One more day off now before heading back to the barn.  Still HOT.  The campground is FULL now with the fair in full swing.  Don't head south for 2 months yet, but plenty to do at the Ponderosa.  

Campground rating for Pioneer Park CG: 

"If you're lucky enough to be a Yooper, you're lucky enough"

Proverb

WiFi provided by Pioneer Park Escanaba, MI