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Sioux Empire Fair posts modest profit; organizers highlight accessibility, new events
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Summary
Sioux Empire Fair organizers told Minnehaha County commissioners the 2025 fair returned a net profit of $191,004.35, added 25 ADA parking spaces, and introduced family-focused events such as Fiesta Latina and Pig Pals while trimming entertainment costs.
Sioux Empire Fair organizers briefed the Minnehaha County Commission on Nov. 4 about the fair’s 2025 results, new programming and infrastructure improvements.
Scott Wick, identified as president and CEO of the WH Lyon Fairgrounds and the Sioux Empire Fair, described a season with good weather, new and returning special events, and investments in accessibility. Wick reported a net profit of $191,004.35 for the fair and said admission and carnival revenue together totaled about $903,007.80; admission income was up roughly 14% year over year.
Wick highlighted program changes intended to broaden family attendance: a second annual Fiesta Latina moved to Sunday for greater family participation; Pig Pals, an event pairing youth and nontraditional agricultural participants with pork producers for judged arena events; a children’s foam attraction and a daily “lucky the lamb” treasure activity; and Dakota News Now Kids Zone and Noah’s Way exotic petting zoo.
On infrastructure, Wick said staff worked with the city to asphalt and stripe the North Parking Lot, adding 25 accessible parking spaces that improved ADA compliance. He also noted electrical upgrades to the Expo Center intended to mitigate recurring ground faults and better support events.
On staffing, Wick described six full-time employees, four part-timers and about 140 seasonal staff during the fair. He said organizers are already pursuing headline acts for 2026, with two shows confirmed but not announced.
Commissioners thanked organizers and asked attendees about attendance reporting and facility priorities; Wick said the fair has not released attendance figures in recent years and focuses on revenue and net results as primary success measures.
