Revamped State Fair Returns To Metro Detroit

DETROIT (CBS) - This Labor Day weekend, Michigan's state fair will return to Metro Detroit for the first time since its subsidy was cut from state funding in 2009.

Blair Bowman, owner of the Suburban Collection Showplace, has teamed up with the nonprofit  Great Lakes Agricultural Fair Board to bring the fair to the showcase's location in Novi.

Bowman said despite the lack of funds, Michigan residents should still get their fair.

"Michigan deserves a state fair," he said. "We've heard loud and clear that that effort needs to be done on the private sector basis, and we're here, ready to do that."

The fair, now called the Great Lakes State Fair, will include indoor exhibits and games, as well as farm animals, carnival rides and daily performances by The Shrine Circus.

Although he is happy with the revision, Bowman said he sympathises with fair-goers who are disappointed by the fair's move from its former location on 8 Mile Road and Wooodward Avenue in Detroit.

"I watched with the same sadness I think as everybody did," Bowman said. "But I do know that physically that facility and location cannot accomodate public attendance anymore."

Bowman said the fair will be a worthwhile adventure for attendees.

"We've got a great program -- logistically and geographically demographically and physically," he said.

Bowman spoke with Talk Radio 1270 host Charlie Langton about it on Tuesday: