Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Tim Johnson (D-SD) recognized the 125th anniversary of the South Dakota State Fair. Johnson entered a statement in the Congressional Record highlighting the milestone.
“The South Dakota State Fair continues to provide entertainment and promote community for the people of South Dakota who come together each year to experience the best of what our state has to offer,” Johnson said. “I am pleased to honor this landmark achievement for the state with a statement in the Congressional Record.”
Full text of the Congressional Record Statement from Johnson below:
Mr. President, it is with great honor that I rise today to recognize the 125th anniversary of the South Dakota State Fair. This quasquicentennial is meaningful to the citizens of South Dakota, as many visit this event each year for entertainment, competition and great company. Whether it is the 4-H competitions, carnival rides, live music, informational booths or the many commercial vendors there is something for everyone at the State Fair.
From its humble beginnings, the State Fair started with only 85 of acres land that was deeded to the State of South Dakota by the Chicago and Northwestern Railway Company for $50,000. With time, the Fair grew as the South Dakota population grew. More land has been purchased, buildings have been constructed, and several improvements have been made. Today, the grounds host a wide range of buildings from the 4-H Livestock Complex to Grandstands. Although changes have been made to Fair Ground’s landscape since its founding, the South Dakota State Fair has stayed true to its mission, which is to have the fairgrounds be seen as a successful year-round, family-friendly venue that showcases youth, achievement, agriculture and community.
September 2-6, 2010, South Dakotans from across the state will gather at the State Fairgrounds in Huron to celebrate one hundred and twenty-five years of our state’s history. With live entertainment, livestock events, the South Dakota Outdoor Expo, and more, all ages will celebrate in the day’s activities. I hope this celebration gives our citizens a chance to reflect on our shared state history, as well as our promising future.
As frequent visitor to the South Dakota State Fair, I congratulate the South Dakota State Fair on reaching this monumental anniversary, and I look forward to the future as the Fair continues to prosper.
###
