Where were you Labor Day weekend, 1999? For many exhibitors, vendors, and guests, the answer is: “We were at the 24th annual show of the U. P. Steam and Gas Engine Association.” In fact, it was the largest show ever for the Association.
Located in Escanaba, in Michigan’s beautiful Upper Peninsula, the association’s annual show always attracts exhibitors from many parts of the country, as well as Canada, but this year the response was overwhelming.
Why so many this year? Perhaps it was the new policy of no camping fees for exhibitors or vendors. Perhaps it was free breakfast Saturday and Sunday morning. Or maybe people just wanted to check things out for our 25th anniversary show Labor Day weekend 2000.
Recent additions to the show include our new blacksmith shop and textile building. Old favorites include the cook shack, general store, and an agricultural museum featuring many interesting exhibits from the U. P.
Saturday afternoon was a special time for the kids, including scooter races and races featuring stilts. Sunday afternoon featured tractor barrel races for kids of all ages. The swinging Seniors provided musical entertainment all three days.
Whenever we got hungry, there was ice cream, popcorn and more at the General Store, along with fried homemade bread spread with butter and heaped with homemade jam and other goodies at the cook shack.
There was no time to be bored as we went from exhibitor to exhibitor making new friends, or took time out to frequent the huge flea market.
If you haven’t visited the Steam and Gas Engine Village, with its many shops and displays, you should make plans to come.
