Michigan State Fair in Novi returns for 10th year

Sarah Raza, Detroit Free Press
·3 min read

Curious crowds gathered around around the dozens of livestock exhibits Thursday afternoon for a chance to pet animals at the Michigan State Fair in Novi.

The sounds of cows, goats and pigs filled the air at the 10th anniversary of the event. Held at the Suburban Collection Showplace at 46100 Grand River Ave, the State Fair began Thursday morning and will continue through Monday.

Dave Coon, 52, is among those who have attended the event every year since the fair moved to Novi in 2012. Coon brought his animals from his Udderly Nutz farm in Lyons and was working the popular Beginning of Life exhibit, where fairgoers can pet young rabbits, ducks and goats. For him, the most rewarding aspect is getting to educate ordinary folks who don't often get to see farm animals.

People head to the midway at the Michigan State Fair in Novi at the Suburban Collection Showcase on September 1, 2022.
People head to the midway at the Michigan State Fair in Novi at the Suburban Collection Showcase on September 1, 2022.

What keeps him coming back?

"When kids come up to you with smiles on their faces," he said as two young girls asked to pet the 1-month-old rabbit in his arms, "that's what's really cool to me."

With a record attendance of 280,000 last year, the State Fair is prepared to welcome hundreds of thousands of fairgoers to this weekend's event. Among other attractions, this year's State Fair returned with the animal exhibits, carnival rides, contests and live entertainment. The livestock exhibits include shows and opportunities to pet animals like cows, goats, sheep, chicken, rabbits, ducks, and even tortoises. Food options are abundant: from funnel cakes and fried oreos to gyros and pizza, the State Fair has all the carnival classics and more.

Waylan Wick, of Howell, relaxes while sitting next to his sister's cow Tasha as he helps her while she shows livestock at the Michigan State Fair in Novi at the Suburban Collection Showcase on Sept. 1, 2022. (Photo: Ryan Garza, Detroit Free Press)
Waylan Wick, of Howell, relaxes while sitting next to his sister's cow Tasha as he helps her while she shows livestock at the Michigan State Fair in Novi at the Suburban Collection Showcase on Sept. 1, 2022. (Photo: Ryan Garza, Detroit Free Press)

This year, the fair returned with new attractions, such as the Pork Chop revue and the Cool Zoo. Parking is now free, and a new policy states minors must be accompanied by adults after 6 p.m.

The State Fair first began in 1849 in Detroit, and was held at the State Fair Grounds on Woodward Avenue in Detroit until 2009, when it was discontinued due to budgeting issues. In 2012, it moved to the Showplace in Novi, where it has been held since.

Sue Kayl, 70, attended Novi's State Fair for the first time with her senior center's group of over 30 attendees.

Comparing it to the Woodward Avenue location, she said she "appreciated the indoor and outdoor aspect so you can escape the heat for a while." Inside the Showplace, fairgoers can enjoy the livestock exhibits, while the carnival, beer tent and contests are outdoors.

Johnny Gutierrez of San Antonio, Texas dives from a 33 ft ledge into a pool of water while on fire as part of a diving show put on by Watershow Productions Inc. at the Michigan State Fair in Novi at the Suburban Collection Showcase on September 1, 2022.
Johnny Gutierrez of San Antonio, Texas dives from a 33 ft ledge into a pool of water while on fire as part of a diving show put on by Watershow Productions Inc. at the Michigan State Fair in Novi at the Suburban Collection Showcase on September 1, 2022.

Her husband, Bob Kayl, 72, was impressed by some of the records on display, particularly the pumpkin weighing 1,638 pounds.

Linda Coon, 53, and her daughter, Laura Bowman, 26, at the Udderly Nutz exhibit, said they enjoy the lively atmosphere of the fair and answering questions about their goats. This year, the family brought 17 American Lamancha goats to the fair.

"We go to fairs all year round, but there's nothing like this," Bowman said, adding that most shows only have a few species of animals, whereas the State Fair has a wide range, from cows to tortoises.

The Coon family has been exhibiting their animals at the State Fair for the last 10 years and commended the organizers for their respect and flexibility toward exhibitors.

Stan Cullimore, of St Clair Shores, left, Estelle Duncan, of Redford, and Antonia Mouland, of Livonia, react as diver Clark Kocourek, of Omaha, Nebraska, takes an 80-foot high dive into a pool of water as part of a diving show put on by Watershow Productions Inc. at the Michigan State Fair in Novi at the Suburban Collection Showcase on Sept. 1, 2022. (Photo: Ryan Garza, Detroit Free Press)

Admission to the Michigan State Fair is $10 per person. The State Fair will be open throughout the weekend at the following times:

  • Sept. 2: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

  • Sept. 3-4: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

  • Sept. 5: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. with the Interior Livestock Halls closing at 5 p.m. and Interior Vendor Hall closing at 7 p.m.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan State Fair returns to Novi for 10th year