Detroit Gears Up for 161st and Possibly Last Michigan State Fair

Friday, August 28 marks the opening of the 161st Michigan State Fair. The fair has been a Detroit staple for over a century, but this year may be the end of it's run.

Earlier this year, Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm announced that the state would no longer provide funding to help keep the fair running. Over the last few years the fair's attendance levels have dropped and with the state trying to balance it's budget and a down economy, Granholm decided to make the cut.

Michigan State Fair General Manager Robert Porter has been pushing for legislation to overtturn Granholm's decision and yesterday the House of Representatives passed a bill that would maintain funding for the fair. Unfortunately, it looks like Granholm will be vetoing the bill.

Despite the setbacks, Porter and his committee are determined to make the 2009 Michigan State Fair better than ever. Running from August 28 to Monday, September 7, the fair will once again feature a number of nightly concerts at the fair's bandshell, a carnival, livestock contests, pig racing, the Budweiser Clydesdales and the popular Miracle of Life Exhibit.

This year's fair will focus on Michigan's agriculture industry with a new exhibit showcasing urban gardening.

Also new this year is a X-treme Sports motorcross show and free Disney movies in the Hudson Auditorium. With a new ride company sponsoring the Midway, there will also be a number of new carnival rides to explore.

This year's nightly concert lineup presents a little something for everyone's musical tastes.

Grand Funk Railroad star Mark Farner opens the fair on August 28 for all the hard rock fans and both Starship and Survivor will be bringing their brand of rock on Friday, September 4 and Saturday, September 5, respectively.

Arena rock star Billy Squier will close out the fair on Labor Day.

Jazz fans can enjoy indie jazz musician Lin Rountree on Saturday, August 29 and there will be a gospel fest on Sunday, August 30.

Monday, August 31 plays host to Detroit faves the Temptations Review and alternative music fans will enjoy Pop Evil on Tuesday, September 1.

Wednesday, September 2, Thursday, September 3 and Sunday, September 6 are aimed at country fans with Joe Nichols on stage on Wednesday, a country showdown on Thursday night and Jake Owen on Sunday.

This year's fair is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Fair admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children 3-12 years of age and free for children under 2 years of age. Parking at the fairgrounds is $7.

Seniors get in free on Monday, August 31 and Sunday, September 6 is Armed Service Day with all past and present military personnel able to get in free with ID.

Individual ride tickets will be sold but you can also purchase a all day wristband Monday thru Friday for $22 or $25 on the weekends and Labor Day.

For $25 there are a couple of package deals: a family fun pack with 2 adult and 2 children tickets and a super saver combo pass that gets you into the fair and allows you to ride all day.

The Michigan State Fair fairgrounds are located at southeast Detroit at the corner of 8 Mile Road and Woodward.