By Staff
Since becoming Director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture nearly one year ago, I have been sharing the amazing economic impact agriculture has on our state, and the importance of purchasing Michigan products. With agriculture as Michigan's second largest industry – we have a lot to celebrate – and there is no better place to do that than at Michigan's fairs.
Michigan fairs are one of the state's oldest family fun traditions and are often the highlight of the summer for many communities. Last year, more than 4 million people attended Michigan fairs.
Approximately 85 Michigan counties or local agriculture societies host fairs in every facet of the state each year. Michigan is also home to two state fairs – the Michigan State Fair held in Detroit, and the Upper Peninsula State Fair in Escanaba. Local, county, and state fairs are the perfect place to experience Michigan's agricultural diversity, observe a variety of unique exhibits, showcase our talented residents, and highlight the state's agricultural heritage – all of which makes Michigan a great place to live and work.
Additionally, 74,000 people entered an exhibit in the fair, the majority being youth exhibitors, showcasing livestock, home craft items and baked goods, fine arts, photography and antiques. Youth livestock exhibitors also benefited from the many auctions held at the fair; where over $15 million was raised in the sales. Most of these youth exhibitors will use the proceeds from their auction sale to further their educational goals.
Fairs have been a summer celebration of agriculture as long as Michigan has been a state. Jackson, Calhoun, and St. Joseph counties are a few of the county and local fairs established in the mid-1800s.
In 1849, the first Michigan State Fair was held in Detroit; and, in 1927, the first UP state fair was held in Escanaba. The fair season begins in early June with the Croswell Agricultural Society Fair and continues to the end of September with the Hillsdale County Fair. The UP State Fair will be held August 12-17, 2008, and the Michigan State Fair will begin on August 21 and run through September 1, 2008.
Michigan fairs are a community celebration bringing people together every year for fun, food, entertainment, and education. If you are one of the many millions of people who attend the fair annually – ENJOY! If you have not been to one of our many great fairs, please visit one this summer. There is a whole day of family fun at the fair and there is always something for everyone.
I personally invite you to experience all the excitement of Michigan's fair season. Bring your family and friends to enjoy all the fair favorites – everything from elephant ears and Michigan fudge to thrilling Midway rides and concerts to learning how Michigan's growing agri-business sector impacts your life every day. There is no shortage of family fun at a Michigan fair.
For more information about Michigan's local, county, and state fairs visit http://www.michigan.gov/mda-fairs.