News

Sale of Michigan fairgrounds closing

The Michigan state fairgrounds are finally being sold after former Governor Jennifer Granholm eliminated the event nearly a decade ago.

The Michigan Land Bank Fast Track Authority has approved 16 acres to be sold for more than $470,000 to NBA Hall of Famer Earvin “Magic” Johnson’s development company for mixed commercial and residential development. 

The City of Detroit has been approved to purchase 146 acres of the property for $7 million and will rely on input from the community as well as work to attract large employers to develop the site.

In 2009, Granholm said the state could no longer subsidize the nearly 160-acre property in Detroit and put it up for sale.

Michigan’s agriculture community created the Michigan Livestock Expo for youth to compete in a statewide showcase after the stair fair was canceled which is has been hosted at Michigan State University since. 

A grassroots effort to bring back the event has also led Ram Trucks to host the “new” Michigan State Fair at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi, over Labor Day weekend.