Residents Say Goodbye to Michigan State Fair
Posted: Wednesday, September 09, 2009
by Ronyae
Writings by Ronyae
After 150 years of service, the Michigan State Fair will end; home of the Michigan State Fairgrounds Coliseum and host for two NASCAR races in early 1950s. The State Fair was an annual event residents of metro Detroit, surrounding areas, and abroad looked forward to for fun, entertainment and festivities. Known for being the oldest State Fair in the United States, the fair found its home on the corner of Woodward and Eight Mile Rd in Detroit after a one dollar sale in 1904.
In my opinion, not only is the City of Detroit in a serious crisis, financially. The entire state of Michigan is in hot water; government-funded programs and events are slowly dissipating: schools are closing in metro Detroit; libraries are closing all over the state, and now the state fair is being discontinued.
Residents in Detroit can be heard complaining about 'help' from the [government] state. But how can the state help you when the financial crisis seems to have a trickle-down effect?
As a tax-paying, voting resident I ask my state and city coordinating officials: "Where is all the money going?" Not only should our tax dollars be at work. But where are the funds promised from the [allowance] casinos standing tall, and rapidly expanding in and near our downtown areas (which were "supposedly" earmarked for our [closing] schools)? Tell me, leaders of our fine state and city of Detroit, where are the fees collected from the many 'violators' of our law; I wish I could have a tangible record of the exact number, I would demonstrate just how much is accumalated in a month's time from local residents having to appear in court, or pay for a ticket. I'm not disputing the course of action being taken by the officers and court systems. I'm asking where is that money?!
I can go on for a long time asking where the money is and state how bad times are for not only my state of residence, but in our nation. That's not my point. I want to focus on the sadness that comes when we have to lose something so historical as the Michigan State Fair. Somewhere, I know there are people, organizations or private funders/investors/philanthropists that are good and able to 'save' something in a situation like this. Is that fair to feel that way? Is it fair to expect a person having more to accept responsibility for 'saving' less fortunates?
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Top-level comments on this article: (10 total)Good angle, Ronyae. I know it is impossible to account for every penny, but you ask good questions that deserve answers.Thanks, Lorrie. I have been among many residents, whom are constantly "wondering" ... where's my tax dollars really going? Especially when we are having to drive on streets with more potholes, than guidelines.Thanks for reading, Lorrie.
Very, very, very, good article again Ronyae. (As a kid, the bus to the Fair.) Only Palmer Park hated the Fair. But, the Fair brought in more revenue during that time. Born in 44, you can imagine how I felt. The 60s/70s were my era. We of that era were "Dancing in the Streets" during the street showers on Linwood/Joy Rd (Claremont) with Martha Jean the Queen.
The money of course is in the pockets. I dare say you may be able to find it in Farmington and Bloomfield Hills (new money). As you know, the automobile monies are in the Grosse Pointe(s) (old money). I myself wrote a letter to the Michigan State Lottery. I inquired about the monies because we were always voting on bonds and the Schools kept on begging. You guessed it, political rhetoric I could not verify. I am saddened. Detroit is I.
I really appreciate your comment, Dr. Especially, for sharing the love of our hometown. I can only imagine and smile with pride of the visions of young men and women "Dancing in the Streets", with the Queen (smile). Although, Clairmount has a new image, and it's not a pretty one.I must also add that I agree about the placement of the monies...sad, but true.Thanks for reading Dr.
Thanks for sharing your heart in this article, Ronyae. Accountability would be great. And we do so need it! MarijoYes, indeed we do, Marijo! Thanks for reading, my friend in pen (smile)
"where is that money?! " I could ask AIG and Citibank the same thing. Great article, Ronyae. Your passion jumped off the page!Thanks Ken (you have me blushing-smile). You know, they (AIG/Citibank) are top of the list after the government...
Excellent points. These can not only be said about Michigan but the rest of the country :-)Here. Here, World English Club. I totally agree. Thanks for reading and sharing a comment.
Sorry to hear about the fair Ronyae! I can see how losing something historical would be detrimental to your city. Hopefully, all the economic turmoil will turn around soon and they will bring it back! thanks for sharing!I pray the Laura. Good to see you on the Warp!
Great article. Well done.It is sad when the saying: "all good things come to an end" actually comes true. It is even more sad when it is such a long going tradition. Poor Michigan!You can say that again, Connor: "Poor Michigan", and I mean literally.
Great article! Its very sad when we lose events like state fairs, and its a blow to the regions cultural development :(I agree, Ben. Thanks for reading and sharing your comment.
Hi Ronyae, well written and good points. Its a sad thing when a city loses a good family things due to funds. Thank you for sharing this sad news, hoepfully something can turn around in the near future. hugs, TPrayers are definitely being lifted, T. Thanks for reading and sharing your comment.
Some sentences are a bit long, but it was written with a passionate heart.Thanks Leslie. I take it you work for an editing company? I appreciate your comment, reading, and your constructive criticism (smile). And I must forewarn you ... there will be many "long" sentences in my submissions, because I'm long-winded...lol.Stay Blessed
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