The 2019 South Dakota State Fair attendance numbers are out, more than a month after the fair wrapped up in Huron.
The South Dakota Department of Agriculture says 205,172 people attended this year’s fair, down about 12,000 people from last year (217,231).
Gate revenue was up 2.7%, carnival rides were up 8% at over $2.6-million and sales tax collections rose 6.8%, exceeding $224,000.
Over 12,000 4-H livestock and static exhibits were entered by 4-H participants. There were more than 5,200 education entries in the Arts & Education Building. Approximately 700 kids participated in the SD’s Largest Classroom. Through the Read and Win program, 5,600 passes were distributed to 47 libraries and schools. More than 1,600 competitive exhibitors participated in various open class livestock and non-livestock competitions, entering more than 9,400 exhibits. Exhibitors took home more than $106,000 in premiums, ribbons and awards.
