A state committee has approved a request from the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources for an extra day for the state fair.
The state fair is an annual South Dakota tradition. Organizers proposed several rule changes they say will better serve their patrons.
The Interim Rules Review committee, made up of six legislators, met this week to hear rule change requests from the DANR and other state departments.
Peggy Besch is the State Fairgrounds Division Director with the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources. She said DANR supports the rules changes presented.
“The primary reason for consideration of this change stems from the pressing issue of accommodating all livestock shows within the limited timeframe of the fair. As it stands, with only five days associated with these shows, scheduling has become a significant challenge," said Besch. "Open class 4H and FFA exhibits, which are the backbone of our agriculture heritage, often find themselves squeezed into tight time slots, stretching from early morning well into the evening.”
One of the rule changes is adding an additional day to the fair. Besch said this rule change would benefit all fairgoers.
“The additional day provides much needed breathing room and space for livestock show scheduling, alleviating the strain on exhibitors and organizers alike. It maximizes participation with most livestock producers and vendors already on site, and extending the fair ensures their active engagement,” said Besch.
The additional day means the fair will begin the Wednesday before Labor Day. These changes also include the prices for entry. Passbooks will be increased by $10 and fair week parking will see an increase of $5.
Besch said the extra day also creates new opportunities for additional programs to be added to the fair.
The committee unanimously approved the rule changes.
