MICHIGAN STATE FAIR
OUR STORY
The Suburban Collection Showplace is home of the Michigan State Fair and is conveniently located at 46100 Grand River Avenue, between Novi and Beck Roads in Novi, MI. The Suburban Collection Showplace can be accessed from I-96 at the Novi and Beck Road exits.
There is a powerful groundswell of strong “can-do” attitude that has been rising across Michigan these past few years. As a community, we are being compelled to re-think many old ideas about the way our missions are accomplished. We believe that the Michigan State Fair, LLC is a prime example of this paradigm shift. The original Michigan State Fair was one of the state’s most venerable traditions and public sector events, since 1905—but in recent years it had struggled financially and was eventually discontinued.
At nearly the exact same time, however, a new grass-roots movement toward–and interest in–the great natural resources, agriculture, cottage industry food and beverages, farm-to-table produce and similar endeavors has been dawning across the state. As many old career paths have shifted or ended, waves of new businesses are being born here. The new Michigan State Fair is now being produced as a private sector event at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi, zero state funding. The Fair’s aim is to celebrate and encourage the fresh new direction of the Michigan Agriculture Industry, while also maintaining the beloved traditions of our grand old State Fair.
The Michigan State Fair has always been an integral part of our community, and has traditionally supported a wide spectrum of philanthropic efforts. It also has enjoyed a long-standing partnership with Detroit’s Moslem Temple Shriners, the founders of the first Shrine Circus back in 1906. When Fairgoers purchase an all-inclusive pass to attend the State Fair, one third of the proceeds are donated to the Shriners local organization, who in turn contribute so much to Michigan charities, including their notable support of children and families being treated by their Shriners Hospitals for Children®.
Each year the day before the fair opens to the public, we host a Charity Sneak Peek and Friends of the Fair Night, which honors the dedication of our active military members and their families, and is one small way to recognize their great commitment and service to the United States of America. The evening also hosts some of the Shriner youngsters and their families from the area Shriners Hospitals for Children® who are currently undergoing medical treatment as the result of the hard work and dedication of the Shriners volunteer organization. Children from the Detroit area Rainbow Connection and Special Olympics as well as many other local charitable organizations are also invited to join in the fun! On this very special night, all these children, active military members and their families receive a free sneak peek of the Michigan State Fair, LLC, where they enjoy FREE unlimited Midway rides and indulge in all the fair activities. In addition, they will also be treated to a special breathtaking performance by the Detroit Shrine Circus.
The original Michigan State Fair, which debuted in Detroit in 1849, was one of the first statewide fair events to take place in the United States. It moved permanently to its home at the Michigan State Fairgrounds on Woodward Avenue in 1905 and was staged there until 2009, when it was discontinued by a resolution of the state government, due to ongoing budget issues. The Michigan State Fair a private entity, LLC, has a deep commitment to the ongoing development and support of agriculture, small business and family entertainment, while preserving the legacy and beloved traditions of the original State Fair.
The Suburban Collection Showplace, a state-of-the-art Exposition, Convention and Conference Center in Novi, Michigan, is owned and managed by the Bowman Family.