20 Facts About the Michigan State Fair

The Michigan State Fair is a cherished tradition with a history that spans over a century. From its agricultural roots to its modern-day celebrations, the fair has something for everyone. Here are 20 fascinating facts about this iconic event.

A Historic Beginning

The Michigan State Fair has a storied past that dates back to the 19th century. Its origins are deeply rooted in Michigan's agricultural heritage.

1. First Official Fair: The first official Michigan State Fair was held in 1849 in Detroit. This makes it one of the oldest state fairs in the United States, second only to the New York State Fair.

2. Early Years: The first state fair was actually held in Ann Arbor in 1839, but it drew very few attendees. It was revived a decade later in Detroit, marking the beginning of the fair's long history.

3. Permanent Home: In 1905, the fairgrounds were permanently established at Woodward Avenue and Eight Mile Road in Detroit. This site was acquired by a committee that included J.L. Hudson and sold to the Michigan State Agricultural Society for one dollar.

Agricultural Roots

Agriculture has always been at the heart of the Michigan State Fair. Farmers from across the state gather to showcase their best produce and livestock.

4. Agricultural Focus: The Michigan State Fair has always been a forum for agricultural interests. Farmers from across the state compete for ribbons with their livestock and produce. Visitors have marveled at oversized vegetables and gotten up close to prize farm animals.

Entertainment and Attractions

Beyond agriculture, the fair offers a wide range of entertainment options that have evolved over the years.

5. Entertainment Variety: Beyond agriculture, the fair offers a wide range of entertainment. This includes traditional carnival rides and games, contests, exhibitions, and live performances by famous artists like Bob Hope, the Ink Spots, Alice Cooper, Boyz II Men, and ZZ Top.

6. Historic Buildings: The fairgrounds have hosted many iconic buildings over the years. One notable example is the Michigan State Fairgrounds Coliseum, built in 1922. This multi-purpose arena was once home to various events, including Thoroughbred flat racing and Standardbred harness racing.

7. NASCAR History: In the mid-20th century, the fairgrounds hosted two NASCAR races. Tommy Thompson won the 1951 event, and Tim Flock won in 1952. These races added to the fair's rich sporting history.

Peaks and Valleys

The Michigan State Fair has seen its share of highs and lows, reflecting broader trends in society and the economy.

8. Attendance Peaks: The fair's attendance peaked at 1.2 million visitors in 1966. This was a testament to its popularity and the strong agricultural industry in Michigan.

9. Decline and Revival: By 2009, fair attendance had declined significantly to 217,000 visitors. The state government, citing budget issues, decided not to fund the event, leading to its discontinuation. However, supporters organized the Great Lakes Agricultural Fair in 2011 to continue the tradition.

A New Era

The fair has undergone significant changes in recent years, adapting to new circumstances and finding new ways to thrive.

10. Private Sector Revival: In 2013, the Michigan State Fair was rebranded and resumed as a private event run by Michigan State Fair LLC. The fair is now held at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi, Michigan, with zero state funding.

11. Community Support: The fair has always been an integral part of the community. It supports a wide spectrum of philanthropic efforts and has a long-standing partnership with Detroit’s Moslem Temple Shriners, the founders of the first Shrine Circus in 1906.

Giving Back

The Michigan State Fair is not just about fun and games; it also has a strong tradition of giving back to the community.

12. Charity Initiatives: The fair hosts a Charity Sneak Peek and Friends of the Fair Night, which honors active military members and their families. Children from local charitable organizations, including Shriners Hospitals for Children, are also invited to enjoy free unlimited Midway rides and fair activities.

Adapting to Challenges

The fair has shown remarkable resilience, adapting to challenges and finding new ways to connect with its audience.

13. Virtual Fair During Pandemic: In 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Michigan State Fair was held virtually. Despite the challenges, it was a major success, with over 150,000 people tuning in on social media throughout the weekend.

Celebrating Agriculture

The fair continues to celebrate Michigan's agricultural heritage, even as it embraces new trends and innovations.

14. Celebrating Agriculture: The new Michigan State Fair aims to celebrate and encourage the fresh new direction of the Michigan Agriculture Industry while maintaining the beloved traditions of the original State Fair. It features exhibits on livestock, home arts, and agriculture.

Unique Features

The fair offers a variety of unique features and events that set it apart from other state fairs.

15. Entertainment Features: The fair includes a variety of entertainment features such as the State Fair Superstar Contest, sponsored by Pepsi-Cola. This contest offers a unique mentoring twist on the standard pop music talent contest formula, with participants receiving professional guidance and performance opportunities.

16. Stand Up to Cancer Day: The fair also supports charitable causes like Stand Up to Cancer. In 2016, Fifth Third Bank donated $1.00 to SU2C for each guest on Friday, making it a significant fundraising event.

17. High Diving Show: The fair has hosted various live performances, including the High Diving Pirates of the Caribbean High Dive Show. This show features world record holder Dana Kunze, who has been a professional high diver since the age of 13.

Sponsorship and Support

Corporate sponsorships have played a crucial role in the fair's recent success.

18. Ram Trucks Sponsorship: The Michigan State Fair has been sponsored by Ram Trucks since 2021. This partnership has helped in boosting attendance and providing more extensive fairgrounds activities, including the Ram Truck Test Drive Experience and Honda ATV Test Track.

Historic Landmarks

The fairgrounds have been home to several historic landmarks that hold a special place in Michigan's history.

19. Historic Landmarks: The fairgrounds were once home to the world’s largest stove, originally built by the Michigan Stove Company for the World’s Columbian Exposition in 1893. Although the stove fell into disrepair and was destroyed in 2011, it remains a significant historical landmark.

Looking Ahead

Despite its move to Novi, the fair continues to evolve and adapt, with plans for future development.

20. Future Development: Despite the fair’s move to Novi, there are ongoing plans for the redevelopment of the original Woodward Avenue fairgrounds. The site has been used for various purposes, including as a drive-through testing site during the COVID-19 pandemic, and multiple plans have proposed uses for the remainder of the grounds.

A Tradition That Endures

The Michigan State Fair has been a cornerstone of Michigan's culture since 1849. From its early days in Detroit to its current home in Novi, the fair has evolved while staying true to its roots. It celebrates agriculture, community, and entertainment, drawing visitors with its diverse attractions. Despite challenges like declining attendance and the pandemic, the fair has shown resilience, adapting with virtual events and private sector support. Iconic moments, from NASCAR races to high diving shows, have added to its rich history. The fair's commitment to charity and community support remains strong, making it more than just an event. It's a cherished tradition that continues to bring joy and pride to Michiganders year after year. Whether you're a fan of livestock exhibits, thrilling rides, or live performances, the Michigan State Fair offers something for everyone.