The Detroit Shrine Circus Returns this weekend at the 2016 Fifth Third Bank Michigan State Fair! September1-5, at the Suburban Collection Showplace, Novi
The Shrine Circus is Detroit’s hometown circus. Founded in Detroit, the circus has performed annually for over 100 years. From famous animal trainer Clyde Beatty and the Flying Wallendas to the bittersweet humor of Shrine Clown Emmett Kelly, the Shrine Circus bring a family show that’s thrilling, heart warming, and affordable. The first Shrine Circus in the world, Detroit’s Circus is still the largest, with one of the finest clown units. According to John H. McConnell, author of Shrine Circus: The Circus with a Heart, the longest running Shrine Circus is also one of the most innovative. It features an intimate setting where everyone sees and hears and feels the magic of the circus. The Shrine Circus was established in February 1906 as a way of lifting our spirits during the dead of winter and has been a springtime tradition ever since. It quickly spread throughout the country and today, collectively, it may be the most attended circus, notes McConnell, in his book, “Shrine Circus: The Circus with a Heart.” The idea for a “winter show” to raise funds for the Shrine originated with William H. Baier, a Shrine member. Russell G. Pearce placed the initial “help wanted” ad for circus performers on Dec. 2, 1905.
The Michigan State Fair has always been an integral part of our community, and has traditionally supported a wide spectrum of philanthropic efforts. It also has enjoyed a long-standing partnership with Detroit’s Moslem Temple Shriners, the founders of the first Shrine Circus back in 1906. When Fairgoers purchase an all-inclusive pass to attend the State Fair, one third of the proceeds are donated to the Shriners, who contribute so much to Michigan charities, including their notable support of children and families at their Shriners Hospitals for Children®. Visit the full schedule of events here
The Fifth Third Bank Michigan State Fair will boast more than 50 exciting rides between its two carnival midways this year! The additional rides make the State Fair one of (if not the
largest) collection of carnival rides at an event in Southeast Michigan! The Fifth Third Bank Michigan State Fair is adding another day of family fun for 2016, now open from THURSDAY,
September 1 through MONDAY September 5 at the Suburban Collection Showplace, 46100 Grand River Ave in Novi‐‐over Labor Day Weekend! Michigan owned and operated Arnold Amusements has once again made major investments and increased the number and variety of rides in its offerings For Maps, Directions and Parking
The original Michigan State Fair, which debuted in Detroit in 1849, was one of the first statewide fair events to take place in the United States. It moved permanently to it’s home at the Michigan State Fairgrounds on Woodward Avenue in 1905 and was staged there until 2009, when it was discontinued by a resolution of the state government, due to ongoing budget issues. The Michigan State Fair is being produced by a private entity, and presented with title sponsor Fifth Third Bank. The Fifth Third Bank Michigan State Fair has a deep commitment to the ongoing development and support of agriculture, small business and family entertainment, while preserving the legacy and beloved traditions of the original State Fair.
Who are the Shriners? They support what has been called the “World’s Greatest Philanthropy” — Shriners Hospitals for Children, a network of 22 pediatric specialty hospitals operated and maintained by the Shriners. All children, 18 years and younger, may be eligible for treatment at Shriners Hospitals; eligibility is not based on financial need or relationship to a Shriner. Shriners often help arrange and pay for transportation for children and parents to go to the hospitals; some drive families themselves. Shriners will be found participating in local parades, marching and sometimes riding in miniature sports cars, trucks, and fire engines; performing in an “Oriental” band dressed in Middle Eastern costumes or pipe and drum units, and, of course the family Shriner clown units. Despite its Middle-Eastern theme and Moorish architectural motifs, the Shriners are not connect to Islam. The only religious requirement is that all Shriners must profess a belief in a Supreme Being. While Shriners are men, there are two companion organizations, Ladies’ Oriental Shrine and Daughters of the Nile. They also support the Shriner Hospitals and share in activities like the clown units. Visit their official website
