History of Michigan State Fair in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: September 2, 2024

The Michigan State Fair, held annually in Detroit from 1849 to 2009, was a longstanding tradition that showcased the state's agricultural and industrial achievements. However, the fair was discontinued in 2009 due to a lack of state funding, as the governor prioritized other budgetary concerns.

1904: State Fair Land Company Acquires Land for Fairgrounds

In 1904, Joseph L. Hudson, along with three business partners, created the State Fair Land Company to secure a location for the fair. They bought 135 acres between 7½ and 8 Mile roads in Detroit.

April 18, 1905: Land Purchased for Michigan State Fairgrounds

On April 18, 1905, the Michigan State Agricultural Society bought the land from Joseph L. Hudson and expanded it to 167 acres, establishing the Michigan State Fairgrounds.

1905: Michigan State Fair Finds a Permanent Home

In 1905, the Michigan State Fair found a long-term home at the Michigan State Fairgrounds in Detroit after being held in various cities.

1951: Tommy Thompson Wins NASCAR Race at Michigan State Fairgrounds

In 1951, NASCAR racing came to the Michigan State Fairgrounds, with Tommy Thompson winning the event on the one-mile track.

1952: Tim Flock Wins NASCAR Race at Michigan State Fairgrounds

Tim Flock won the NASCAR race held at the Michigan State Fairgrounds' one-mile track in 1952.

1966: Michigan State Fair Attendance Peaks

The Michigan State Fair reached its highest attendance in 1966, drawing 1.2 million visitors.

October 30, 2009: Governor Granholm Vetoes State Fair Funding

Governor Jennifer Granholm vetoed a bill on October 30, 2009, that would have provided funding for the Michigan State Fair, citing other budgetary priorities.

2009: Michigan State Fair Attendance Declines

By 2009, attendance at the Michigan State Fair had dropped significantly to 217,000 visitors, contributing to the decision to discontinue state funding.

2009: Michigan State Fair Funding Vetoed

In 2009, the governor of Michigan decided not to provide funding for the Michigan State Fair due to prioritizing other budgetary needs.

2011: Great Lakes Agricultural Fair Established

With agriculture being a significant part of Michigan's economy, supporters created the Great Lakes Agricultural Fair, a non-profit organization, in 2011 to carry on the tradition of the state fair.

April 9, 2012: Legislation Approves Transfer of Fairgrounds Land

On April 9, 2012, Governor Rick Snyder signed legislation authorizing the transfer of the Michigan State Fairgrounds land to the Land Bank Fast Track Authority for future redevelopment.

September 3, 2012: Great Lakes State Fair Held at Suburban Collection Showplace

The Great Lakes State Fair took place from August 31 to September 3, 2012, at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi, Michigan.

2013: Michigan State Fair LLC Takes Over

In 2013, the Michigan State Fair was taken over by a private organization called Michigan State Fair LLC, and the event was moved to the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi.

August 31, 2024: Shooting at Michigan State Fair

On August 31, 2024, a tragic shooting occurred outside the Michigan State Fair, resulting in the death of one teenager and injury of another. Police believe the incident was connected to an earlier dispute.