Governor to sign bills allowing sale of Michigan State fairgrounds

Michigan’s state fair had a very long run. It was first held in 1849, making it the second oldest state fair in the country.

But the event lost money most years after 1970.

The 2008 fair ended with a deficit of $362,000.00.

Attendance dropped 39% over the final eight years of the Fair’s existence.

In 2009, Governor Jennifer Granholm ended all state funding for the fair, and it closed.

On Monday, Governor Snyder will sign bills which will authorize the state to sell the property.

The 157 acre property is located just east of Woodward Avenue, close to 8 Mile.

Any money made from the sale of the Fairgrounds will be added to the state’s general fund.