| Michigan State Fair. (1849 to 2009?) | |
 Ahhhh… the Midway rides, games, food, sounds, smells, nothing sez summer like a fair. Established in 1849, the Michigan State Fair has been entertaining Michigan families for over 160 years. Making the Michigan State Fair the oldest continuing fair in America. The first Fair was held in Detroit in 1849, then for the next 56 years was moved from city to city around the State. In 1904 J.L. Hudson and some of his associates created the State Fair Land Company; the Land Company purchased 136 acres at the corner of 8 Mile Rd & Woodward in Detroit. Since 1905, this has been the permanent location. A celebration of Michigan Agriculture. It is one of the few chances for us city folks to get up close and personal with the farm animals and crops produce by farmers of Michigan. One of the most interesting exhibits is the “Miracle of Life”, run by the student and faculty of the School of Veterinary Medicine from Michigan State University. The “Miracle of Life “gives the people a chance to witness the birth of farm animals. Arts and Crafts, Jelly and Jams. At the Community Arts building you get a chance to see the handy work of the citizen of Michigan. The Big Stove. On the Fair Grounds you can find the “Big Stove”, (Did you know that at one time Detroit was the center of stove manufacturing in America?) This massive wooden replica of a cast iron stove was created as an exhibit for the 1893 World Columbian Exposition in Chicago. After the exposition the stove was dismantle and shipped back to Detroit. For many years it was used by several businesses for advertising. In 1965 the Stove was donated to the City of Detroit and moved to the Fair Grounds. After many years of neglect the stove was dismantled and moved to storage at the Detroit Historical Museum. In 1998 the Stove restored and moved back to Fair Grounds. Traditionally the Michigan State Fair was held the week before Labor Day, signaling the “official” end of summer. Unfortunately the 2009 Michigan State Fair could well be the last Michigan State Fair. With declining attendance, a lagging economy and huge State budget deficit, the State of Michigan has decide to no longer underwrite the cost of the Fair. 2009 could be the last year Michigan sees it State Fair |
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