PIERRE — In support of veterans, military personnel, and their families, the South Dakota State Fair offers numerous events throughout the week honoring heroes.  

The Fair will host a “Salute to Veterans” program on the Northwestern Energy Freedom Stage at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 31.

Lt. Governor Larry Rhoden, Major General (Ret) Tim Reisch and Elsie Van Beek will serve as the keynote speakers.

All veterans and military personnel will receive free gate admission on that day.

Van Beek is the only teenager to single-handedly raise $85,000 for sponsorship of a Midwest Honor Flight.    


On Friday, Sept. 1, fairgoers are encouraged to wear red in support of deployed troops.

Everyone wearing red that day is encouraged to meet at the Northwestern Energy Freedom Stage at 1:30 p.m. to take a group photo, which will be sent to the troops.        

Throughout the week of the Fair, fairgoers are encouraged to stop in at the Prostrollo Motors Building, located just west of Flag Avenue and 2nd Street, and sign “thank you” signs for the troops.

After the Fair, the signs will be sent to several South Dakota National Guard Units: the 109th Regional Support Group, the 1/112th Aviation, and the 216th Fire Fighters. 

Staff from the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs will be at the fair all week.  

Look for them in the Expo Building at booth #5A.

The SDDVA team will be manning the booth from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday through Sunday and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday.

Staff will be able to update veterans on state and federal benefits, programs, and services.