The following article was written and published in the Oct. 22, 2007 Daily Press.
By Lee F. Brown - lbrown@dailypress.net

ESCANABA — Many people consider horses to be one of nature’s most beautiful creatures. It’s only natural then that U.P. Equifest 2007 featured its first-ever art contest for youth.

The fourth annual Equifest was held Sept. 28-30 at the U.P. State Fairgrounds.

“The Equifest organizers have wanted to add this to the three-day horsey weekend but until now have not had the manpower to do so,” Equifest President Bev Smith, of Escanaba, said. This year, the manpower was provided by board member Jeannie Marietta.

Judging was by Emily Hack of Woodstock, Ill. Hack, a student at Northern Michigan University, is currently studying art education with a December graduation planned.

First place in the high school division went to Kari Katarincic of Gladstone High School. Second place and People’s Choice went to Sandi Knutson, also of Gladstone High School. Knutson’s stylized horse outline will be used as the cover of the 2008 U.P. Equifest program.

In the elementary division, first place went to Pierce Mayville of Lemmer School in Escanaba. Second place went to Anna Faust, also of Lemmer.

First place winners in each category received $50. Second place winner received $25.

The annual event wasn’t only about art though — it was about horses.

“Young and old, Equifest has something for everybody,” Smith said, including many different breeds of horses, various riding styles, jumping and shooting and driving demonstrations.

Equifest also featured many vendors, educators and clinics, a used tack sale, a silent auction, a Wild West Show and horse sales. The newest addition to the event, Smith said, was the Colt Starting Challenge. Three experienced trainers attempted to train fresh colts over the course of one weekend. Each trainer participated for a charity. Spectators showed their support by purchasing colored bandannas for each trainer.

“Equifest is a committee of dedicated horse enthusiasts working together to provide education, safety and improvement to all of our horse world and our horses,” Smith said.

For more information on U.P. Equifest or to volunteer for the 2008 festival, visit their Web site, www.UPEquifest.com, or call Dave at Circle M Country at (906) 789-9175.

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR JUDGE!

We would like to thank Emily Hack who volunteered to jugde the Art Contest this year. Emily Hack hails from Woodstock, IL, about an hour northwest of Chicago. Emily graduated from high school with a 4.0 and attends Northern Michigan University. Emily got her first experience in education at the age of 14, when she began teaching swim lessons to children and adults. She will receive her degree in Art Education (K-12) in December. In her spare time, she enjoys painting, reading and planning her wedding in the fall. We thank her for her help and wish her well in the future.