Another Eastern Michigan State Fair is in the books and what a fair it was. Attendance numbers far exceeded the 2019 event. Residents from near and far poured through the gates for a chance to spend time with family and friends in a way that hasn’t been possible since 2019. For many, the 2021 fair represented one of the first community events that returned in it’s traditional, fully-fledged format since the pandemic.
The grandstands were regularly packed with spectators. Attendees filled the stands for other shows too, like Sea Lion Splash and the High Flying Pages. People of all ages enjoyed strolling through the animal barns and interacting with livestock at the FFA’s Living Experience. Thrill seekers got their dose of high-flying fun on the midway too. The mostly pleasant weather surely helped boost attendance numbers as well.
When that amount of people converge in one spot lines get long and patience can sometimes wear thin but fair organizers report that everyone was well behaved the entire week.
The fair board’s continued efforts to welcome special guests is to be lauded as well. The special needs community appreciates the chance to explore the sights and sounds of the fair before the crowds become thick. Likewise, the fair’s partnership with the Lapeer County Veterans Affairs office can hopefully connect former service members with the services they’re entitled to. Providing free entry to veterans and active duty service members is a generous gesture as well.
Kudos to all who made the 2021 Eastern Michigan State Fair a rousing success. There’s no doubt it’s a tradition the community was happy to see return.
