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Michigan State Fair Returns To Novi This Weekend

NOVI (WWJ) - Looking for something to do over Labor Day weekend? Round up the family and head to the state fair!

The Michigan State Fair will be at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi Friday, Aug. 30 through Monday, Sept. 2.

Featured 2013 Fair Attractions Include:

The Detroit Shrine Circus, with the world's largest circus tent. The most famous family in circus history, the Wallendas, will bring an all-new troupe of performers to metro Detroit. Rick Wallenda, eldest grandson of founders Karl and Helen, will proudly present his troupe of daredevils, in a rare local performance. Plus, bareback horse acrobats, an amazing animal extravaganza, funny friendly cavorting clowns and more!

Fairgoers will also enjoy an expanded Arnold Amusements Midway of fun rides. The Midway will feature a pair of Ferris Wheels, plus many other fun and popular family rides such as the Tilt-a-Whirl and Shock Drop, along with giant slides, bumper cars and more.

The time –honored Michigan State Fair agricultural and livestock exhibits return, including the Beginning of Life, with baby farm animals, the always popular Butter Cow, and also many horse and pony breed demonstrations. Returning this year is Endless Chocolate Milk by Guernsey Dairy, where fairgoers get to try their hand at milking Darla the (virtual) cow, and receive a half pint which can be replaced as many times as they wish during their time at the fair.

Live family entertainment features music from a variety of genres, all sharing Michigan roots. Headliners include Marshall Crenshaw, George Bedard with his Kingpins, and Stewart Francke, with a fabulous roster of other electrifying bands from all corners of the state.

And don't forget about the beer. The State Fair Beer Garden will feature Michigan Breweries Griffin Claw of Birmingham, Vander Mill Cider of Spring Lake, Kuhnhenn Brewing Company and Dragon Mead from Warren and North Peak Brewing Company of Traverse City -- and also serving Miller Lite Beer and Mike’'s Hard Lemonade.

New for this year is an on-site Farmers Market, in addition to a section of the fair devoted entirely to Michigan-Made products.

No fair fun would be complete without good old-fashioned contests and competitions! There will be diaper derby baby crawl races, hot dog, corn-on-the-cob and pie eating contests, King Arthur Pie Bake-Off, Longest Pony Tail, Twins and Triplets, husband and wife calling and more hilarious fun for all.

Every family Fair experience needs a dose of favorite tasty carnival treats! Corndogs, burgers, elephant ears, cotton candy and more will be available.

Admission and Prices

Fair Only Pass: For livestock, home arts, indoor exhibits, entertainment and beer garden only

  • At the Gate – $8: Adults, and children 12 and older – $6: Children 11 and under

Ultimate Wristband: For all exhibits, entertainment, one circus performance and unlimited midway riders

  • At the Gate: – $30: Adults, and all children 36 inches tall or above – $10: Toddler Wristband* – for children 35 inches or less admission to the circus, and State of Michigan mandated allowable carnival attractions (Crazy Bus, Merry-Go-Round, and Elephants rides only)

* Note: access to carnival rides have certain height restrictions established by the manufacturer and enforced by the State of Michigan, and riding these rides may be prohibited or require the child be accompanied by a chaperone paid adult admission.

For more information, visit www.michiganstatefairllc.com.

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