1. On August 3, 1901, the Michigan State Fair opened for the first time on its current location in Detroit. This fair has been a popular annual event, showcasing the best of Michigan agriculture, industry, and entertainment.

2. August 3, 1916, marked the dedication of the Ford River Rouge Complex, one of the largest industrial plants in the world at the time. The complex, located in Dearborn, Michigan, was the brainchild of Henry Ford and represented the pinnacle of his vision for mass production.

3. The first-ever commercial flight over the Great Lakes occurred on August 3, 1927. The flight, piloted by Russell Alger Jr., flew from Cleveland, Ohio, to Grand Rapids, Michigan, and helped establish air travel as a viable mode of transportation in the region.

4. On August 3, 1959, the Mackinac Bridge, connecting Michigan's Upper and Lower Peninsulas, was officially opened to traffic. This engineering marvel, spanning 5 miles across the Straits of Mackinac, is still the longest suspension bridge in the western hemisphere today.

5. August 3, 1987, saw the opening of the Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, Michigan. This 2-mile oval track has hosted numerous prestigious racing events, including NASCAR and IndyCar races, and is a mecca for motorsports enthusiasts from around the world.