Michigan State Fair ending after 161 years

DETROIT, Sept. 7 (UPI) -- The Michigan State Fair may close up shop this year after 161 years of operation, The Detroit News said.

The News said, unless saved by next year, the annual Michigan event that began in 1849 as the Fair Michigan State Agricultural Society will close for good Monday night, ending its run of more than 16 decades worth of entertaining state residents.

The fair's planned closure comes after Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm determined the event would cease receiving government bailouts. Granholm suggested there may be more profitable uses for the Detroit lands used by the fairground each year.

The Detroit News said among the fair's popular offerings is the Miracle of Life hall that houses the event's ribbon-winning vegetables, the rides for visiting children and the Poultry, Rabbits & Pigeons building.