NOVI, Michigan – The Michigan State Fair presented by Henry Ford Health & HAP is thrilled to announce its upcoming "Year of the Potato" celebration, promising a unique and unforgettable experience for fairgoers of all ages. Scheduled to coincide with the peak of summer harvests, this special event will highlight the versatility, history, and delights of one of Michigan's favorite crops – the potato.
From Thursday, Aug. 29 through Monday, Sept. 2, 2024, visitors to the Michigan State Fairgrounds will be treated to a potato-themed extravaganza. Free bags of potatoes, potato chips and all kinds of potato-themed giveaways will be available during the fair. Attendees can look forward to:
- Tote Bags: Each day of the fair, the first 100 people through the door will receive a free Michigan Potatoes tote bag to help carry around all the fun items the fair has to offer.
- More Giveaways: Five-pound bags of Michigan-grown fresh potatoes and individual bags of Michigan-made potato chips will be available for fair attendees to take with them to enjoy. In addition, there will be recipe cards at the My MI Farmland area for fairgoers to take with them for delicious ways to prepare their potatoes.
- Agriculture Trivia Wheel Game: Spin to win! Answer a question about Michigan agriculture to win a prize including potato-themed pencils, temporary tattoos, magnets, stickers and much more.
- The Potato Art Studio: Potatoes will be featured on the official state fair coloring page. Young artists can display their work on our Potato Gallery wall for fairgoers to enjoy.
- Potato Education: Senior Potato Specialist Chris Long of Michigan State University will break down all the different types of potatoes and how to utilize them in the kitchen. Attendees will get a free cutting board with the information on potatoes on it. The sessions will take place at 2 p.m. Thursday and 2 p.m. Friday in the My MI Farmland area of the fairgrounds.
- “Potatoes for Pirate Pearl” Children’s Book: Michigan Potato Industry Commission Executive Director (MPIC) Dr. Kelly Turner will be on hand to read the award-winning “Potatoes for Pirate Pearl,” a hilarious children’s book that was recognized for its accuracy on how potatoes are planted, grown, and harvested. After the readings, copies of the book will be available to families to take home and enjoy again and again. The readings will take place at 11 a.m. Thursday and again at 11 a.m. Saturday at My MI Farmland area of the fairgrounds.
- Family-Friendly Activities: Fun activities and rides for all ages will be available throughout the fairgrounds.
- Senior Citizens’ Program: As part of the State Fair’s Senior Citizens’ program on Thursday, Aug. 29, sponsored by Blue Care Network, each attendee will receive a complimentary bag of Michigan Potatoes potato chips as part of their giveaway package.
“As Executive Director of the Michigan Potato Industry Commission (MPIC), I am thrilled to celebrate the Year of the Potato at this year’s State Fair. Potatoes have always held a special place in our hearts, and we’re excited to share that passion with all of you,” said Dr. Kelly Turner. “Michigan is proud to be known as the U.S. chipping capital – growing the potatoes that fill one in four bags of U.S. produced potato chips – and there’s no better place to showcase our love for potatoes and our world-class potato chips than at this event. We can't wait for fair attendees to taste the quality and tradition that our state’s potato industry has to offer."
The Michigan State Fairgrounds, located in Novi, Michigan, will be transformed into a potato paradise during this special event. Visitors are encouraged to come ready to explore all that the Year of the Potato has to offer.
For more information about the Michigan State Fair and the Year of the Potato celebration, including event schedules and ticket information, visit www.michiganstatefairllc.com. The state fairgrounds are located at 46100 Grand River Ave., Novi MI 48374. They can be accessed from I-96 from the Novi and Beck Road exits.
About the Michigan State Fair: The Michigan State Fair is a beloved annual event celebrating the state's rich agricultural heritage and community spirit. Each year, the fair attracts thousands of visitors who come to enjoy livestock exhibits, carnival rides, live entertainment, and delicious food offerings from local vendors.
About Michigan Potatoes: A 2023 study completed by agriculture economists at Michigan State University determined that the Michigan potato sector contributes more than $2.5 billion annually to the state’s economy, including $1.5 billion in direct impact. Michigan ranks eighth in terms of total potato production in the U.S. with approximately 1.9 billion pounds of potatoes each year. Seventy percent of the crop goes to the U.S. potato chip industry, which makes Michigan the top producer of chip potatoes in the country. One in four bags of U.S.-produced potato chips are filled with Michigan potatoes. More information on the report and the Michigan potato industry can be found at https://report.mipotato.com/.