Historic Michigan State Fair enters last weekend

DETROIT (WJRT) -- (09/05/09) -- It's been an end-of-summer tradition in our state for 161 years, but on Monday, the state is pulling the plug on the Michigan State Fair.

The oldest state fair in the country was founded in 1849 and hit its peak in popularity in 1966, drawing 1.2 million visitors. Last year, it drew 217,000.  But Gov. Jennifer Granholm eliminated subsidies this year, saying too many sponsors have pulled out and the state simply can't afford to keep the fair open.

The state hasn't funded the fair for years, but has been picking up its losses, which totaled $360,000 in 2008.

Though fair supporters had hoped for a last minute reprieve, fair general manager Robert Porter reported this week that there will be no infusion of funds to keep the fair going.

Some residents are hoping that the historical buildings will at least be protected.  Plus, there's the hope that private investors will step in to save it.

"In 1905 when Joseph L. Hudson sold this property to the state for a dollar, he did it to give the fair a permanent home," said Rosemary Peralta, the fair's project manager.  "Perhaps it is time for private industry, private benefactors -- if they're out there."

The fair runs through Labor Day at the state fairgrounds at 8 Mile and Woodward Avenue in Detroit.  General admission is $10.

Sunday is Armed Services Day, with all past and present military personnel admitted free with a military ID.  Monday is designated Seniors' Day.  Free admission will be granted to anyone over the age of 62.

            Find out what everyone else is viewing on abc12.com         
| More Mid-Michigan and Flint news | ABC12 News at a glance |
              | abc12togo.com wireless  | Get us on your iPhone |
            | ABC12 Desktop Alert Tool | abc12.com newsletters |
                     | Visit us on Facebook | Report a typo |
                                       | Follow us on Twitter |

 

Comment on this story below and we may read what you have to say on the air.

Get more Local »

local, joel feick

• Comment Now
• Email
• Print
• Report a typo
•