South Dakota State Fair Numbers Solid

Widespread support for the South Dakota State Fair in 2013 came despite scorching weather during the first three days of the event. Attendance numbers for this year reached the third highest ever with 183,005 coming through the gates. Last year’s fair was a record for attendance drawing over 192,000 people.

Jerome Hertel who manages the fair was ecstatic about the numbers. He said in a press release, “We knew the heat would affect us but many people still came out to enjoy the Fair when it cooled off on Sunday. The number of exhibitors, vendors and campers all exceeded last year’s numbers.” The South Dakota Department of Agriculture notes a six percent increase in camping numbers as almost 1,700 campers filled the main campgrounds and off grounds lots.

Tax revenues were also higher than the previous year’s numbers, according to the Department of Revenue. The latest figures available show the five-day fair raised $148,031.20 in total tax revenues, higher than the 2012 State Fair when tax revenues reached $143,510.