After 75 years, it can be a challenge to keep things fresh.
Therefore, Sioux Empire Fair organizers made some changes to this year's entertainment for the event's 75th anniversary.
With the finishing touches being put in place for the start of the Sioux Empire Fair, there's quite a bit of anticipation surrounding the event's 75th anniversary.
For starters, those planning to come out to the 10-day event can expect some changes to the entertainment...as well as a bang for their buck.
For starters, those planning to come out to the 10-day event can expect some changes to the entertainment...as well as a bang for their buck.
Scott Wick, CEO of W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds, said, "I think we have a really good lineup with the Beach Boys, Randy Houser and Scotty McCreery, and everything that's going on…you pay $7 to get in the gate and you get to go to a show that would normally be ticketed $30 to $50.”
But free admission to all the shows isn't the only thing fairgoers can look forward to.
The biggest addition to the Sioux Empire Fair is the Pipestone Discovery Barn where fairgoers can come to be educated about animals and agriculture.
"It’s a big barn that has animals. It's all about animal education. There will be animals giving birth and you can feed calves. They'll do different samples of food outside the barn everyday throughout the fair,” said Wick.
People can also expect some special features for the opening day.
Wick said, "We have a birthday cake starting for the first 2,000 people that come through the gate tomorrow night. It’s free admission for everybody to come see the sneak peek. We have some games that are going on that are from fairs of the past, pig calling and some different things like that."
According to Wick, 280,000 to 300,000 people are expected at the fair this year. With the new additions made, it's sure to be a busy year for the Sioux Empire Fair.
"I think if the forecast holds out and we have the nice mild temperatures we can have another great 10-day run,” said Wick.
The fair runs from August 1-10. Admission for adults is $7, $2 for children 6-12, and free admission for children 5 and under.
