DETROIT - It's that time of year to think about the Michigan State Fair. Deadlines for entering your prized piggy, gigantic pumpkin, hand-knitted sweater, favorite chocolate chip cookie, or perfect painting are fast approaching.
Livestock and Agriculture entries must be postmarked by July 15; late registrations will be accepted through August 1 with a late fee. Fine Arts entries must be postmarked by July 17 and Community Arts entries by August 1. This year you can access all the information and premium books online at www.michiganstatefair.com.
The fair runs from Aug. 23 to Sept. 4 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and is located in Detroit at the corner of Eight Mile Road and Woodward Avenue. Admission is $9 for adults; $4 for children 12 and under; and free for children two years old and under.
Invitations were sent to schools and groups across the state to select 15 of their Top Student Community Arts exhibits to enter for free, but everyone is welcome to participate in the nation's oldest state fair. You don't need to be a county or local winner for the opportunity to participate in what is planned to be the biggest and best state fair in history. Seniors, special needs individuals, youth and adults - there is something for everyone - and with the state offering thousands of dollars on cash, prizes, and scholarships, and of course, the coveted ribbons, no one should miss the opportunity to be part of the 158th Michigan State Fair.
Imagine winning $200 for First Place Best display of vegetables grown and exhibited by any non-commercial home garden, or $100 for prize-winning French toast. Look through the Community Arts Premium Book to find many exciting new categories of competition along with old favorites like Homemade Wine and Homemade Brew competitions. There will be sewing, needlework, photography, woodworking, crafts and quilts as far as the eye can see.
The Professionally Decorated Cakes and Table Decorating and Floral Displays are back this year. Kids can bake "Monster Cookies," "Whittle a Walking Stick," make a Lego display, Shoebox Float or other projects. The Boy Scout program is participating this year by encouraging their Cubs to put their Pinewood Derby cars on display. There are belt loops and badge requirements Scouts can earn while at the fair.
Sure, the fair is "old fashioned." It's always going to have a wholesome atmosphere but this year it will be revitalized with a modern flair. It's great to see so many talented people and the fabulous things they make and do that are not mass-produced.
Items can be mailed from distant parts of the state and then returned to the exhibitor after the fair is over. But, since each Community Arts exhibitor receives two free admission tickets to the fair, it's wonderful to attend with family and friends on a day trip to see prized items on display.
After winning "Exhibitor of the Year 2003," I created a website, "How to Enter and Win at the Michigan State Fair," with publicity flyers, all official entry forms, rules and helpful tips to assist potential exhibitors. Go to www.gocities.com/q.t@sbcglobal.net/disclaimer.html.
I just love everything at the fair from the ice-cold 25-cent bottomless cup of milk to the shows, animals, midway, nightly entertainment, and especially the DNR zone. What's not to love?
Hardie is Youth Exhibit Coordinator for the Michigan State Fair.
