Growing up, one of my favorite end-of-summer activities was going to the Michigan State Fair. I know it sounds silly, but I actually enjoyed seeing all of the animals the 4H kids raised, the horse shows, the entertainment, the giant carved butter sculpture and of course the midway and rides. I even liked the pig races! I grew up just a bit up Woodward, and I suppose I took for granted that the fair would always be around. I am not sure why, but last week I was a bit shocked to hear that this might be the end of the fair due to the economy.

The end of the Michigan State Fair?! That can't be. I'll never have the chance to win a blue ribbon for my prize winning recipe or overly large vegetable...

That being said, I haven't taken my children to the state fair since they were born. I suppose once I moved to this side of town we've only attended the Wayne County and Washtenaw County Fairs, but not the grand daddy of fairs in Michigan. I'd hate to loose this great tradition, though, so I would like to encourage all of my Ann Arbor friends and families to attend the fair this weekend if possible. I know it's a 30 minute drive to the fairgrounds for us, but really it's worth the trip!

The Michigan State Fair runs through Sept. 7, 2009. We'll be there sometime this week to support the fair for future generations to enjoy and hope to see you there as well. Come and enjoy America's first state fair!

Tammy Mayrend is a Search Marketing professional who blogs on local activities for families at annarbormom.com.

Michigan State Fair ferris wheel photo by Flickr user Femaletrumpet02.