PROSPER®

COMMUNITY --- WHERE WE LIVE
CITY OF NOVI
Novi has garnered a reputation for being
home to a diverse stable of cutting-edge
businesses as well as maintaining a thriving
economy, offering outstanding educational
opportunities and fostering an environment
that embraces all people.
It’s a city cognizant of the importance of
traditions, yet innovative enough to continue
to seek out new ways to improve the lives of all
those who visit and live in Novi.
Even traditions that didn’t start in Novi have
made a home here, as evident by the Fifth
Third Bank Michigan State Fair. The Michigan
State Fair has a history that dates back more
than 100 years, but came to an abrupt end in
2009 when the state cut funding.
It has since been rejuvenated in Novi by Blair
Bowman, owner of the Suburban Collection
Showplace, who recognized how important
the fair was to not only Michigan’s food and
agriculture industry, but also to families
as well. In just four years, the fair has seen
attendance increase from more than 30,000
people in year one to 112,000 people during
the 2015 Labor Day weekend.
Bowman says bringing the fair to Novi is
“the greatest thing we have done here,” and
he takes great pride in honoring the fair’s
rich heritage while also making it relevant to
today’s generation. And he believes having the
venue in Novi, because of its premier location
in southwest Oakland County, only enhances
opportunities for everyone throughout the
state and region.
The fair is truly a multi-generational family
event that incorporates some of the best
traditions from years past — the Michigan
Butter Cow, the Equine Pavilion, the Gold
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