The County Press

Smoking, vaping to be restricted at Eastern Michigan State Fair


IMLAY CITY — The Eastern Michigan State Fair (EMSF) in Imlay City will ban smoking and vaping on nearly the entire fairgrounds for the 2022 fair to be held July 26-30. Designated smoking areas will be established to increase the comfort of fairgoers.

Smoking is already prohibited by law inside buildings at the fairgrounds and by policy in the grandstands. Locations for the designated areas are the beer tent, parking lot and pit area.

Fair director Ian Kempf said, “Smoking always ranks high on the list of issues fairgoers want us to tackle, and the issue was particularly acute this year. We’re pleased to take this action to make the fair as comfortable and family-friendly as possible for everyone.”

The new policy only covers the fair. Smoking policies for non-fair events will remain the responsibility of individual event promoters in accordance with state law.

“The negative health effects of secondhand smoke exposure are well documented. There is no risk-free level, and even brief exposures can have harmful effects,” said Kathy Haskins, director of the Lapeer County Health Dept. “I applaud the Eastern Michigan Fair Board’s move to help protect the health of the community and their workers by taking steps to reduce the exposure to secondhand smoke at its facility.”

Founded in 1883, the EMSF showcases the best of Michigan agriculture, provides top-quality entertainment and is a key piece of the local economy. The EMSF is a 47-acre exhibit and entertainment complex that operates seven months year.