Michigan State Fair is being held August 22 - September 2, 2008 at the Michigan State Fairgrounds and Exposition Center in Detroit. The historic fair is a terrific opportunity to enjoy the camaraderie of comparing techniques and accomplishments in the field of agriculture. The fair is a family oriented event, with entertainment for adults and children. The fair is a great family outing, with wholesome entertainment and activities offering a full day of amusement.
Grand Opening Day
Grand Opening Day is Friday, August 22. The fair will open with a ribbon cutting ceremony with Governor Jennifer Granholm at noon.
History of Michigan State Fair
The Michigan Fair has the distinction of being the first State Fair in America, starting a tradition of providing a showcase for the agricultural products and accomplishments of farmers in the region. The first Michigan State Fair was held in 1849. The location of the fair changed frequently, but in 1958, the fair was dedicated as State Historic Site #172, which is the permanent home of the event.
Generations of farmers have been inspired to do a better job and to used improved methods in farming. The fair provides a chance for farmers to learn about new methods and to compare notes about the best technology. Fair participants motivate each other to be even better at what they do.
Livestock is featured at the fair, with animals including horses, cattle, dogs, rabbits, sheep, swine and pigeons being shown. The Michigan State Fair website lists as its highlight of last year the 'Miracle of Life' exhibits, and lists the miracle of live births during the fair.The list includes lambs, calves, piglets, ducks, quail, turkeys and chicks.
Daily Parade
The Michigan State Fair features Parades and Retreat Ceremonies at 6:30 pm daily. The parade participants include $-H, Boy Scouts, Campfire Boys & Girls, Classic Cars, Clowns, Girl Scouts, Organizationals and Marching Bands.
Band Shell Entertainment
Band Shell Entertainment. Bandshell entertainment requires additional ticket purchase. Tickets can be purchased at Star Ticket Plus locations and Meijer Stores. Concert admission is free, but Gold Circle Reserved Seating is an additional fee of up to $20. Reserved seating for the Alice Cooper show is sold out.
- Friday, August 22 Mindi Abair
- Saturday, August 23 Summer Jamz 11
- Sunday, August 24 Youth Under Construction
- Monday, August 25 Corbin Bleu Presented by Radio Disney
- Tuesday, August 26 Raven-Symone Presented by Radio Disney
- Wednesday, August 27 Alice Cooper
- Thursday, August 28 County Fair Talent Showcase
- Friday, August 29 TBA
- Saturday, August 30 Colgate Country Showdown
- Sunday, August 31 Gospel Fest
- Monday, September 1 James Otto, Crossing Dixon and The Lost Trailers
The World Famous Lipizzaner Stallions
The graceful dancing Lipizzaner Stallion are an amazing sight. The stallion perform Friday, August 29 at 7 pm, Saturday, August 30 at 4 pm and Sunday, August 31 at 4 pm. Tickets are $5. Children two and under free. The Lipizzaner Stallions performance is at Chrysler Coliseum on the State Fairgrounds.
Win a Cadillac Escalade or One Million Dollars
Attendees can try their luck with scratch-off tickets to win a Cadillac or $1,000,000.
Admission and Ticket Prices
- General Admission: Adults $10, Children (3-12), $5, Seniors $5, Children 2 and under Free,
- Tickets that are purchased on line before August 15 are discounted by 20%.
- Family Fun Pack: General admission for two adults and two children for $25.
Midway All Day Wristband.
The wristband, which allows unlimited carnival rides on the midway, are $15 during the midweek. This is a major change from last year, when the all day pass was available for only one day. Attendance was so great on that day that fair officials decided to offers it Monday through Friday.
Special Days
- Senior Day: Monday, August 2. Seniors (62+) get is free all day long. There will be special events and contests for seniors.
- Armed Service Day, Sunday, August 31. All military with proper ID are admitted free.
General Information
The Michigan State Fair is August 22 - September 1, 2008, Hours are 10 am to 10 pm daily.
The fairgrounds are located in Detroit, at the corner of Eight Mile Road and Woodward Avenue. The grounds are two miles from I-75, three miles from I-696 and eight miles from I-94.
The information is this article is from the official website of the Michigan State Fair. Information is subject to change without notice.
For another Michigan event, see Michigan Renaissance Festival: Step Back in Time For the Indiana State Fair, see Great Indiana State Fair in Indianapolis IN
