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DETROIT -- There is a well-oiled crew inside the Michigan State Fair -- preparing for the task to be ready for opening day, which is today and continues until Labor Day. Staff members such as Lindsay Calcatera have been taking calls on her cell every minute or so, but it is worth it. Going to the fair, said the Marketing Director, is a good thing despite the crippling economy and rising prices. "[It is] a family tradition," she continues, because people are staying close to home.

The purpose and vision behind the Fair is being family-friendly with diverse education, entertainment and recreational activities -- recognizing the State of Michigan's agricultural, natural and cultural lifestyle, as well as continuing to be known as the preferred special event venue.

Tickets for adults cost $10; for children 3-12, $5, and parking for $7. However, according to General Manager Steve Jenkins, the fair doesn't cost as much as the concerts of High School Musical's Corbin Bleu, Raven (That's So Raven, The Cheetah Girls), and rock icon Alice Cooper -- several of the acts that will be performing there next week. Even though you pay for parking and admission, he states, there is free entertainment. When you tell your friends you saw Alice Cooper at the fair, Jenkins went on, they'll say you must be mistaken because that couldn't have been him, but you were there.

He also compare the prices of the tickets for the fair to buying tickets for Lions, Tigers, Pistons, and Red Wings, in which sports games are between over two and three hours of entertainment, whereas the Fair is 13 hours because there are endless possibilities.

One of those endless possibilities is what is called the largest portable roller coaster in the United States without a name. A contest is being held to give the ride a name, and the winner will be announced this Wednesday for free admission and all day ride wristbands for Labor Day Weekend.

Recognized by the Smithsonian Institute as the oldest, the Michigan State Fair is still is the first and original -- going strong at 160 years and beyond. However, it is also a mixed blessing, as the fair is "one last hurrah for summer before kids are being dreaded back to school," said Wayne County Executive Robert A. Ficano, as he and Jenkins helped cut the ribbon to mark Friday the official first day of the fair.

"The Michigan State Fair is where memories are made and created traditions for families," Jenkins said. "Help us make a place where families come and memories are made. Have a great 2008!"

 

PHOTO BY JASON RZUCIDLO / ©2007 AMERICAJR.com

Bucky Covington performed at the Michigan State Fair in 2007.

 

Visit Our Coverage of the 2008 Michigan State Fair