25.3°F  Website Login | DetroitAugust 27, 2008State Fair gets ready for final weekend
By Jeremy Selweski
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Photo by Andrew Potter
North America’s largest portable rollercoaster. |
DETROIT — It’s not too late to catch the 2008 Michigan State Fair, with six of the event’s 11 days still remaining.
Fairgoers will immediately notice one big — make that towering — difference between this year’s state fair and those of the past. Standing tall amidst the myriad attractions on the State Fairgrounds will be North America’s largest portable rollercoaster, 54 feet tall and 162 feet long, which is making its first appearance in Michigan.
“This is the newest and most exciting ride that has hit our fairgrounds in a long time,” said Steve Jenkins, general manager of the Michigan State Fairgrounds and Exposition Center. “I think it’s going to create a new buzz for us. It might lead some folks to come here instead of looking elsewhere.”
Taking place from Aug. 22 through Sept. 1, the 2008 State Fair is gearing up for its big finale over Labor Day Weekend. The annual event — which dates back to 1849 and is recognized by the Smithsonian Institution as the oldest state fair in the nation — aims to provide entertainment for all ages and create fun summer memories for families.
Known for its huge carnival midway, the fair boasts agricultural displays, unique competitions, and a variety of special exhibits, games and rides. Officials expect this year’s fair to draw around 300,000 visitors.
Also new to the 2008 event is “Pure Michigan Wonders,” which showcases the best businesses and attractions that Michigan has to offer, as well as a history of agriculture exhibit depicting the evolution of the industry in the state.
Jenkins is especially excited about the “Grow a Pizza” exhibit, which shows how pizza is developed from the farm to the table. “When we think of pizza, almost none of us think of agriculture or farming, but we should,” he said. “Anything and everything associated with pizza is grown agriculturally.”
These new attractions join longtime favorites such as the “Miracle of Life” display — now in its 16th year — in which more than 500 farm animals are born each year.
“It’s our most popular exhibit, far and away,” said Lindsay Calcatera, director of marketing for the Michigan State Fairgrounds. “The amazement of watching it happen really gets people. It’s just a unique, interesting experience and something that people around here don’t see very often.”
Jenkins pointed out that at last year’s fair — which 235,000 people attended — 71 percent of fairgoers who were surveyed chose the “Miracle of Life” exhibit as their favorite part of the entire event.
“It’s really awe-inspiring to watch the birth of a baby animal,” he said. “The experience is so phenomenal, and you’re here sharing that moment with your family.”
Other popular annual attractions include the “Bottomless Cup of Chocolate Milk”; the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ “Outdoor Zone,” which features a catch-and-release fishing pond in the shape of Michigan’s lower peninsula; the interactive sports activities and skill zones provided by the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame Fan Fest; and the PVS Nolwood Chemical Building of Science and Technology “You Be the Chemist” competition.
The State Fair also features an extensive lineup of musical performers, including Detroit classic rock icon Alice Cooper Aug. 27, “Gospel Fest” Aug. 31 and a special country music showcase Sept. 1. Other entertainment comes courtesy of celebrity impersonators, the world-famous Lipazzaner Stallions and daily parades at 6:30 p.m.
In addition, Aug. 31 is “Armed Services Day” at the fair and will feature a memorial service at the War Veterans Monument.
With such a wide variety of activities available, Jenkins is confident that the fair can attract Michiganders of all ages, ethnic groups and backgrounds. “We have something for everybody, that’s what we strive for,” he said. “If you come, you will definitely find something that you want to come back for.”
Jenkins and Calcatera also noted that the event can attract big crowds despite high gas prices and Michigan’s continuing economic downturn. First and foremost, though, they stressed that the State Fair is all about carrying on family traditions — and establishing new ones.
“We have an extremely loyal crowd,” Calcatera said. “Almost 80 percent of our attendance is from people who come out every year. It’s something that’s handed down from generation to generation.”
Jenkins agreed. “It’s a great end-of-summer tradition for a lot of families,” he said. “There are so many fun things to do here. It’s where memories are made.”
General admission tickets for the 2008 Michigan State Fair are $10 for ages 13 and older, $5 for seniors 62 and older, $5 for children ages 3 to 12, and free for kids 2 and younger. Parking is $7 per vehicle.
The State Fairgrounds are located in Detroit at Woodward Avenue and State Fair Avenue, just south of Eight Mile Road. For more information, call (313) 369-8231 or visit www.michiganstatefair.com.
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