THE BALLOON MAN

Revival of state fair at Suburban Collection Showplace to include Shrine Circus
from: crainsdetroit.com
By The Associated Press
August 01, 2012
Novi (AP) — Plans for reviving the state fair in Michigan include a circus, as well as more-traditional agricultural events, competitions and entertainment offerings, organizers announced.

The Great Lakes State Fair will be Aug. 31 to Sept. 3 at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi. Organizers this week released more details of the attractions, including Shrine Circus shows that are expected to include high-wire performances, acrobatics, clowns and wild animal acts.

Kent Roberts, vice chairman of the Great Lakes State Fair Board, said in a statement that organizers are "delighted to bring back a state tradition" with modern updates. The event will include livestock exhibits, education stations, product displays, rides, a beer garden and entertainment stages.

"We've created an exciting venue that builds upon the tradition of past fairs and packages it into a 21st-century version focused on Michigan's rich agricultural and arts heritage," he said. "The entire show will include mostly Michigan-made content, including all entertainment, exhibits and concessions."

The Michigan State Fair, which took place in Detroit, closed in 2009 because of a lack of funding. In addition to having a different name and location, the new event isn't funded by the state.