HURON — Attendance took a slight bump, but tax revenue was up sharply at the 2024 S.D. State Fair, in releases by the Department of Ag and Natural Resources and the Department of Revenue on Thursday.

The Fair, which ran from August 28 – September 2, offered family friendly attractions, six stages of entertainment, thrilling carnival rides, world class livestock shows, agricultural education, and endless shopping opportunities.

A total of 186,255 guests passed through the gates at this year’s fall classic, a four percent increase over 2023, while nearly 2,000 campers filled the fairground’s campsites, setting the stage for a highly successful State Fair.

This year’s fair, however saw $266,352.21 in tax collections, which marks a 20% increase of 2023. During this year’s State Fair, there were 602 booths rented to 301 different vendors, down 6.5% from the 2023 event vendor numbers of 322.

Fairgoers spent money on goods, services, and concessions during the six-day event – totaling over $3.2 million in revenue.

Of the tax collected during the South Dakota State Fair, $136,745.50 was state sales tax, $63,106.02 was Huron’s municipal sales tax, $19,256.35 was Huron’s municipal gross receipts tax, and $47,244.34 was state tourism tax.

• 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 6,300 education exhibits being displayed.

• 9,515 4-H display exhibits, livestock exhibits, and youth in action entries participated in the Fair.

• 367 FFA exhibitors showcased over 975 entries.

• Over 600 students and teachers representing 35 schools participated in South Dakota’s Largest Classroom.

• Nearly 50 schools and libraries participated in the Read and Win program sponsored by Ag Performance and Agri-Dynamics, handing out 8,000 youth daily admission gate passes to young readers.

Improving the Fairgrounds
A groundbreaking was held for The SHED on Thursday, Aug. 29.

The SHED will be the new home for Open Class Sheep at the South Dakota State Fairgrounds and serve as a multi-purpose facility including a show arena and educational center.

The indoor educational center will provide a place for interactive learning about the sheep industry, opportunities in agriculture, and our state’s rich agricultural history. Construction is underway now!

The 140th South Dakota State Fair dates are Wednesday, August 27 – Monday, September 1, 2025. For more information about the South Dakota State Fair, contact the Fair office at 800-529-0900, visit www.sdstatefair.com or find them on Facebook, Instagram, and X.