OCTOBER 12, 2023:
The 2023 South Dakota State Fair generated $222,108.58 in tax collections.
During this year’s State Fair, we saw a big jump in vendors with 607 booths rented to 322 different vendors. Fairgoer spent money on goods, services, and concessions during the five-day event – totaling over $2.7 million in revenue.
South Dakota has seen consistent revenue from the State Fair over the last several years – even with the record-breaking heat. Thousands of South Dakotans got out to enjoy the state fair and all the fun family attractions that come with it.
Of the tax collected during the course of the South Dakota State Fair, $113,541.78 was state sales tax, $53,813.43 was Huron’s municipal sales tax, $15,777.19 was Huron’s municipal gross receipts tax, and $38,976.18 was state tourism tax.
OCTOBER 10, 2023:
The 2023 South Dakota State Fair, which ran from Aug. 31 – Sept. 4, was like no other, with temperatures soaring on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, exceeding 100 degrees each day. Sunday’s 103 temperature in Huron broke a 130-year record from 1893, and Monday’s 102 temperature broke a record from 1913.
Youth Participation and Education
- More than 1,400 exhibitors entered more than 8,500 exhibits in open class livestock and non-livestock competitions.
- The Arts & Education Building hosted 5,800 education exhibits.
- 9,375 4-H display exhibits, livestock exhibits, and youth in action entries participated in the Fair.
- 369 FFA exhibitors showcased over 950 entries.
- Over 675 students and teachers participated in South Dakota’s Largest Classroom.
- Nearly 50 schools and libraries participated in the Read and Win program sponsored by Ag Performance, handing out over 8,600 youth daily admission gate passes to young readers.
Attendance and Economic Impact
- 178,246 guests passed through the gates, and nearly 2,000 campers stayed at the fairground’s campsites, helping set the pace for a successful State Fair.
- 322 commercial exhibitors filled 607 vendor locations.
- More than $2.6 million was spent by fairgoers on goods, beverage, specialty concessions, and carnival rides.
- The Fair generated over $217,000 in tax revenue.
Additional Highlights
- The Open Class Sheep Show and Open Class Beef Show were held ahead of the Fair, kicking off fair week August 26 through 30.
- The DEX: Dakota Events CompleX ribbon cutting was held Thursday, August 31. In total, the DEX is a 150,000 square-foot open concept facility, capable of hosting two full-sized equestrian arenas and seating for 5,000+ people. Alternatively, it is equipped to host up to 1,700 cattle stalls, two show rings, and visitor seating, further solidifying its adaptability. During the 2023 State Fair, the DEX was set with 1,200 cattle stalls and one large show ring, giving exhibitors and spectators the best possible showing and viewing experience.
The 2024 South Dakota State Fair dates will be Thursday, August 29 – Monday, September 2. For more information about the South Dakota State Fair, contact the Fair office at 800-529-0900 or visit www.sdstatefair.com.
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