8/19/09

Good Clean Fun: Michigan State Fair


The Michigan State Fair is the grand old dame of fairs, being the oldest State Fair in the country. Not to go all elementary school history report on you, but this is an event that goes back to 1849 and has been at the same site at 8 Mile and Woodward since 1905. Back then, that whole area was farmland so it made sense. Now the Fairgrounds are like a pastoral island in a concrete sea. Which in a way makes even more sense.



Every day, the Fair is PACKED with events from the ever-popular Miracle of Life exhibit to acrobatics performances to donut eating contests to livestock shows. Is there anything sweeter than a boy and his sheep? And when was the last time you went to a Longest Ponytail Contest anyway? Too long, that's what I thought.


Go to the Michigan State Fair site, pick your events, put on a straw hat and just go!


2009
MICHIGAN STATE FAIR

Friday, August 28th
through
Labor Day, September 7th

ADVANCE ADMISSION SALE PRICES
Must Be Purchased by August 21, 2009

SUPER SAVER COMBO PASS
(includes gate admission & all day rides)
$25.00 per person

FAMILY FUN PACK
(includes 2 adult & 2 child gate admission tickets)
$25.00

GROUPS OF 25 OR MORE
(gate admission ticket for one group member of any age)
$7.00


LOCATION
We are conveniently and centrally located in southeast Michigan at the corner of Eight Mile Road and Woodward Avenue in Detroit - two miles from I-75, three miles from I-696, and eight miles from I-94.

HOURS
10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.

FAIR ADMISSION
$10.00
$5.00 - Children 3 -12 years of age
$5.00 - Seniors 62 years of age and older
FREE - Children 2 years of age and under
Hand stamps available for same day re-entry

SPECIAL DAYS
SENIORS' DAY - Monday, August 31st
62+ FREE ALL DAY

ARMED SERVICES DAY - Sunday, September 6th
Past & Present Military (with ID) - FREE ALL DAY
(this is a personal favorite of yours truly)

PARKING
Parking is $7.00 per vehicle
Re-entry for parking is NOT permitted

NORTH AMERICAN MIDWAY ENTERTAINMENT
Midway Hours:
11:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. weekdays
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m. weekends

PAY ONE PRICE, RIDE ALL DAY & NIGHT
$22.00 Monday-Friday
$25.00 Saturday & Sunday & Labor Day

Individual ride tickets will also be sold

And I promise, you don't HAVE to see Billy Squier.