Send in the Clowns: New Michigan State Fair Opens Labor Day Weekend

With broad-based support and a new title sponsor, last year's Great Lakes State Fair is being transformed this year in to the Fifth Third Michigan State Fair.

At a Monday press conference held in a cavernous Suburban Collection Showplace hall, a contingent of bagpipers, clowns and cyclists representing Detroit Shriners ushered in a new era for the fair, which launched at the conference and event center in 2012 to fill the void created by the closing of the Michigan State Fair in 2009. 

Steering committee member Blair Bowman said everyone asked for help has stepped up to the plate, and organizers are proud that no state funds will be used. A long list of supporting businesses and organizations is topped by new title sponsor Fifth Third Bank. 

"We are going to produce this state fair because Michigan ... deserves a state fair," Bowman said. "It deserves a state fair that is called what it is, the Michigan State Fair." 

Bowman stressed the fair's agricultural roots, noting it would showcase those components of Michigan's economy and bring together the fair community, including the 4-H, county and regional programs. 

New this year, a competitive youth scholarship program will award $10,000 in scholarships to students exhibiting in the livestock and home arts/agricultural categories. In addition to winning ribbons, students must complete an application that includes an essay and evidence of community involvement. 

The Detroit Shrine Circus will return, along with an expanded midway, "endless chocolate milk" provided by Guernsey and C.E. Burger Creamery, live entertainment and a beer garden. 

Tickets will be sold in advance and at the gate, with $30 ($25 in advance) wristbands that provide access to carnival rides and $8 ($6 in advance) fair only passes. For more information, visit michiganstatefairllc.com.