HURON — With the assistance of numerous sponsors, the State Fair is able to offer special days at the 2017 South Dakota State Fair.
Wednesday, Aug. 30, is Channel Seeds Preview Day. Gate entry is free on Preview Day to allow fairgoers a sneak peak of the fair. The Goldstar Amusements carnival will open at 5 p.m. and all rides will be $1 each. The Red Wilk Construction CBR Bull Bash kicks off the grandstand entertainment.
Thursday, Aug. 31, is Value Added Ag Day. South Dakota’s value added agriculture industry will be showcased at the day sponsor tent. The South Dakota Specialty Producers Association and the South Dakota Wine Growers Association are partnering with the Value Added Ag Development Center to feature specialty crops, local foods and wines, beers and spirits. There will also be presentations on various local food topics and a cooking demo. Be sure to make time to walk through the day sponsor tent and wine pavilion to sample products from value added businesses and learn more about the innovative products being made in South Dakota.
Friday, Sept. 1, is Prostrollo Motors Day. Fairgoers can stop by Prostrollo Motors on east Highway 14 in Huron prior to the fair to pick up a coupon for $1 off gate admission at the State Fair. Prostrollo Motors will be featuring the newest vehicles for 2018. Those who stop by will see what’s coming in the year ahead and have the chance to win door prizes and ‘Best Seat in the House’ tickets for the grandstand concerts.
Saturday, Sept. 2, is South Dakota Farmers Union Day. The South Dakota Farmers Union will host events throughout the day celebrating family farms, ranches and rural communities from across the state of South Dakota. Highlighting the day of activities will be the annual Farmer’s Share Luncheon (limited number of meals available) located in the tent near the Freedom stage from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
The South Dakota Farmer’s Union will also host a Farm Bill panel to hear fairgoers’ concerns on the upcoming Farm Bill and other rural issues affecting the state.
Sunday, Sept. 3, is DPS Drive Safe SD/Fire Safety Day. The South Dakota Department of Public Safety will focus on two areas – responsible driving and fire safety. See Highway Patrol safety simulators and police dog demonstrations at 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Tommy the Turtle, the Office of Emergency Management’s official mascot, will also be on hand to teach children how to be safe during severe weather. The goal of DPS Day is to highlight all the ways the department works to keep the public safe.
Monday, Sept. 4, is Crowns and Capes Day. It’s a day for kids to test their skills in the penny drop game, explore the fairgrounds for a scavenger hunt, be a part of the Little Hands on the Farm learning experience, and meet real princesses and superheroes. A diaper derby and parent/child look-a-like contests will also be held at the NorthWestern Energy Freedom Stage.
There are also plenty of opportunities to receive free or reduced gate entrances. A lucky few fairgoers entering the gates on Labor Day have the opportunity to get a ‘Pay it Forward’ pass granting them free entrance thanks to sponsors. Additionally, fairgoers who bring a non-perishable food item for the ‘Drive to End Hunger” between the hours of 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. will receive $2 off gate admission. Iverson’s will also have $3 off daily carnival ride wristband coupons at their fair booth.
The 2017 South Dakota State Fair will run from Thursday, Aug. 31, through Monday, Sept. 4. Channel Seeds preview night will be Wednesday, Aug. 30. This year’s theme is “Seriously Twisted Fun.” For more information on State Fair events, contact the Fair office at 800-529-0900.
