NOVI, Mich. – State fair managers across the country are always looking for new ways of getting spectators to enter their gates. While some entice fairgoers with an array of exhibits, games, rides or animals, those at the Michigan State Fair lure crowds to their fair with “spectator involvement.”

This year’s Michigan State Fair runs Aug. 31-Sept. 4. Officials want attendees to participate, not just with their fair entries but with their hands and legs.

Examples of getting fairgoers engaged at this fair are numerous. For starters, Michigan State Fair stands alone as the only state fair in the country with a 5K race at its fairgrounds. The “Moovin’ thru the Midway 5K” made its debut in 2019. This one-of-a-kind race takes runners and participants of all ages and abilities on an immersive course through the Michigan State Fairgrounds, including the Circus Tent, carnival midway and interior vendor exhibits. The course finishes at the Beer Tent where participants are showered with medals, photographs and refreshments.

This year’s fair will not only have a creative arts department, visitors can engage in the Decorator Competition. Located in the Home Arts Area, any visitor can enter this one-day challenge of decorating a straw hat. All bags will contain the same items for decorating the hats and each contestant will have 45 minutes to complete the design of their hat. There will be three separate age categories competing in this event.

Got game? Be sure to bring it when you come to the Michigan State Fair. This tradition of games is friendly, comical and even sometimes ridiculous as contestants will compete in tug-of-war, Diaper Derby, watermelon seed spitting contest, hot dog eating contest, corn-on-the-cob and pie eating contests and water balloon toss contests just to name a few.

“Make it with Wool.” Yet another hands-on activity. Ladies (and even gentlemen) can showcase their talents by sewing, knitting, weaving or crocheting using at least 60 percent wool fiber. Categories are for pre-teens, juniors (ages 13-16), seniors (ages 17-24), and adults. The catch? Contestants must model their newly made garments. And there are no limits as contestants can make a dress, jumper, coat, cape, jacket, sweater, shorts or other.

A growing part of recent fairs, officials say, is the Home Arts Exhibit. “It’s the fastest growing area of our fair,” one official said. Home Arts categories include canning, quilting, spinning, weaving and scrapbooking.

For fairgoers who would prefer watching rather than engaging, there’s the Rock-N-Roll K-9s Performance Team. Attendees will witness a variety of breeds in every color, shape, size and age. These canines have unlimited energy and will showcase their talents in Grand Prix racing, high jumping, flyball, musical mats, tricks, team relay racing, limbo competition, choreographed obedience training, Scooby Says, barrel racing and much more. Each show segment is mixed with audience participation, comedy and special effects, and all to the beat of some famous Rock & Roll music.

The Shrine Circus will return this year. This made-in-Michigan circus was founded in Detroit, and has performed annually for more than 100 years. Acts will be held in the largest air-conditioned circus tent in the world.

Another huge attraction at this fair is the Cool Zoo, a family-owned and operated wildlife experience with the mission of curating fundraisers, conservation, education, recreation and research with animal ambassadors. Cool Zoo appears at hundreds of events annually, including festivals, conventions, museums, schools, sporting events and state parks. Exhibits include hermit crab adoptions, crab races, butterfly exhibits, exotic bird shows, giant tortoise exhibits, sloth exhibits and gem mining.

Since the fair is not far from Motown, what would this fair be without music, highlighted by the Michigan Mega Jam.

“The Jam honors the state’s diverse musical legacy each year with a sparkling multi-genre all-star cast,” said host and producer Jill Jack. “Utilizing a stellar all-star house band, the Mega Jam cast performs both original songs and classics by favorite Michigan artists and songwriters, spanning various genres from Motown to Rock to Gospel and beyond.”

Those in Michigan say there’s no sense in waiting for October to grow those pumpkins, so fairgoers will once again compete to grow the largest pumpkin. Growers from around Michigan and the Midwest are eligible to compete for the largest pumpkin. Last year’s winning pumpkin – from Don Barron – came in at 1,848 pounds.

Finally, a wide spectrum of livestock breeds and daily horse competitions will be on exhibit for fairgoers each day.