Highlights From The 2025 South Dakota State Fair Events

There was a slight dip at the turnstiles during the 2025 South Dakota State Fair, but still, the event played host to big crowds over its six-day run.

Fair officials say nearly 181,000 people attended the event, which ran from August 27 to September 1 in Huron. That represents about three percent fewer attendees from last year.

Recent Numbers

2024: 186,255
2023: 178,390
2022: 192,279
2021: 181,459
2020: 107,992
2019: 205,172
2018: 217,231

Attendance and Economic Impact

180,916 visitors passed through the gates, while more than 1,900 campers filled the fairground’s campsites. Fairgoers spent $3.2 million on goods, services, and concessions. The Fair generated over $265,000 in tax revenue.

Youth Participation and Education

Nearly 1,500 exhibitors entered more than 8,000 exhibits in open class livestock and non-livestock competitions.

The Arts & Education Building hosted more exhibits than last year, with more than 8,200 educational exhibits being displayed.

9,800 4-H display exhibits, livestock exhibits, and youth in action entries participated in the Fair.

376 FFA exhibitors showcased over 11,015 entries.

Over 1,100 students and teachers representing 45 schools participated in South Dakota’s Largest Classroom, making it the most attended Largest Classroom.
Over 55 schools and libraries participated in the Read and Win program sponsored by Ag Performance and Agri-Dynamics, handing out 8,300 youth daily admission gate passes to young readers.

Looking Ahead

The 141st South Dakota State Fair dates are set for September 2 to September 7, 2026. For more information about the South Dakota State Fair, contact the Fair office at 1-800-529-0900, or visit the Fair's website.

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Cure Kids Cancer Hero Stories

This year's Cure Kids Cancer Radiothon Presented By Jerry's Auto Sales is September 28 and 39, 2023.

To make a pledge call 605-328-5750, toll-free at 800-601-5085, text CASTLE to 51555, or click HERE!

The mission of Cure Kids Cancer is to help children's cancer centers, like the one at Sanford Children's Hospital, find life-saving treatments and eventually cures for children's cancer by raising funds and awareness.

Gallery Credit: Results-Townsquare Media Sioux Falls

Do You Remember These 10 Crazy Snowstorms In South Dakota?

Here's some news that some South Dakotans prefer not to hear this time of year. Winter is coming. In denial? The dropping temperatures and early snowstorms out west by Deadwood speak for themselves.

Slowly but surely, people of the Sioux Empire are bracing for colder weather and snow-covered roads. Even though snow will soon be gracing the Sioux Empire with its presence, some snow showers will not compare to these ten dreadful snowstorms that hit South Dakota.

Only In Your State highlights these ten snowstorms in South Dakota as a reminder for people to always be aware of the roads during the winter. These South Dakotan winters can be harsh, which is why it is always a good idea to plan ahead and prepare for the worst.

Do you remember any major snowstorms that hit South Dakota?

Gallery Credit: Christine Manika

From Frybread to Pheasants - Here are South Dakota's Official State Things

Every state in our nation has chosen things that represent the state in one way or another to be official state things. Like a flower, or animal. South Dakota is no different.

The Mount Rushmore has a state flower. But did you know we also have a state tree and a state fish? Yes, we even have a state code.

Here is what we have so far in Wyoming. Thanks to the South Dakota Secretary of State's Office for the info:

Source: 2025 South Dakota State Fair: Inside the Numbers

Filed Under: Huron

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