NOVI, Mich. — America’s oldest state fair took a break, but it’s back – the celebration where city meets country has moved from Eight Mile and Woodward to Beck Road and Grand River.

The 2012 Great Lakes State Fair will launch Aug. 31 and run through Sept. 3 at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi. Along with a large midway and tons of games and rides, the fair will feature Michigan-made products, a livestock and agricultural arena, a beer garden featuring state breweries and local Americana-Country live entertainment.

The whole family will enjoy this traditional state fair, where the Shrine Circus will be featured along with musical acts such as Annabelle Road, Jill Jack, David Shelby, Detroit Soul Men, Paige Bolen and the Jeff Taylor Band.

If the kids want to see animals, they can enjoy the best Michigan has to offer in agriculture. Livestock from across the state will be on exhibit, including dairy cows, beef cattle, sheep, goats, rabbits, poultry and pigs.

The Michigan Pavilion will feature the best of Michigan-made products and produce, along with local crafters.

Did you know Michigan is the fifth largest state in the nation in terms of the number of breweries? Several beers will be available in a Beer Garden, of exclusively state-brewed beers. Also, learn all about the Michigan’s craft beer industry.

And, what state fair would be complete without some friendly competition? The Great Lakes State Fair will conduct dairy contests testing the talent, creativity and sheer zaniness of the fairgoers. The contest will include hot dog eating, pie eating, watermelon seed spitting, ice cream eating, mother-daughter/father-son lookalike contests, the carrot drop and a husband-and-wife calling contest – just to name a few.

Ticket information, details and directions to the Great Lakes State Fair can be found online at www.greatlakesstatefair.org