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State Fair leaders preview upgrades, sensory-friendly programming ahead of Aug. 27 opening
Summary
Representatives of the South Dakota State Fair updated the Huron City Commission on facility repairs, event growth and new accessibility programming ahead of the 2025 fair, saying campground sewer work, LED lighting upgrades and a sensory-friendly morning are among the summer priorities.
Peggy Besh, representing the South Dakota State Fair, told the Huron City Commission on July 21 that the fairgrounds have completed and planned facility repairs and new programming ahead of the State Fair, scheduled Aug. 27–Sept. 1, 2025.
Besh said the dairy barn received a new insulated roof, the Dakota Land Museum roof is being replaced, multiple buildings were converted to LED lighting with state green-energy grant funds, and campground water and sewer upgrades are largely complete. She said the fair has booked national shows pending contract finalization and highlighted a growing off-season event schedule — 291 events in 2024, representing 562 event days, a 33% increase from the previous year.
The update included programming changes aimed at accessibility. Besh described a “sensory-friendly morning” from 8 a.m. to noon during the fair that will reduce lights and sound on selected carnival rides, offer therapy-dog interactions and provide a staffed calming cottage next to the horticulture park. She said the fair has coordinated with the public library, the Center for Independence and local disability organizations to develop the offering and that early responses from special-education classes and others have been strong.
Besh also reviewed entertainment and special events scheduled around the fair: multiple rodeos and concerts, a junior national rodeo and a State Fair Foundation-produced national event planned for October with age-targeted competition and cash prizes. She noted some vendor- and construction-related delays but said organizers expect key upgrades and signage to be completed in time for the fair.
The presentation closed with Besh thanking city departments for operational support, including park and rec, streets, traffic and solid waste. Commissioners responded with appreciation for the pace of repairs and upgrades.
The commission did not take any formal action on the report; it was presented as an informational update.
