America's 250th Celebration
Everywhere you turn at the South Dakota State Fair, the America250 celebration will shine bright! From festive events to star-spangled vending booths, the fairgrounds will be decked out in patriotic flair. It’s a full-on tribute to our nation’s 250th birthday, creating a vibrant and energetic atmosphere for fairgoers of all ages.
Join us as we celebrate America's 250th! Check back often for more details; special events will be posted as they are confirmed!
Shuck Yeah! The Great American Corn Eating Contest
Youth Contest: 10-16 years old | Adult Contest: 17+ years old
Contests are limited to the first 8 entries per age division
Pre-registration is encouraged. See flyer below!
Forms can be emailed to candi.briley@state.sd.us, mailed to 1060 3rd St. SW, Huron, SD 57350 or dropped off at the Nordby Exhibit Hall
Shuck Yeah! The Great American Corn Eating Contest Rules & Registration
Date/Time: Wednesday, September 2 – 3:30 pm
Location: NorthWestern Energy Freedom Stage
America250: Come Declare Your Independence
Kids can declare their independence by signing the copy of the Declaration of Independence with feather pens.
Date/Time: Thursday, September 3 – 12:45 pm
Location: NorthWestern Energy Freedom Stage
The Great Patriotic Animal Calling Contest
Step right up and show off your best animal call in celebration of America250! From crowing roosters to mooing cows, this lively contest invites fairgoers of all ages to strut their stuff and entertain the crowd with their most impressive (and hilarious) animal impressions — all in patriotic spirit.
The Great Patriotic Animal Calling Contest Flyer
Date/Time: Thursday, September 3 – 3:30 pm
Location: NorthWestern Energy Freedom Stage
Great American Hot-Dog Eating Contest
Youth Contest: 10-16 years old | Adult Contest: 17+ years old
Contests are limited to the first 8 entries per division
Pre-registration is encouraged. See flyer below!
Forms can be emailed to candi.briley@state.sd.us, mailed to 1060 3rd St. SW, Huron, SD 57350 or dropped off at the Nordby Exhibit Hall
Great American Hot Dog Eating Contest Rules & Registration
Date/Time: Friday, September 4 – 3:30 pm
Location: NorthWestern Energy Freedom Stage
Great American Stick Horse Race
Contest Rules
1. All kids up to age 8 are eligible to compete. Two age groups:
5 & under
6-8 years old
2.Bring your own stick horse! Get him cleaned and shined up. Wear your fanciest and most patriotic western outfit. Prizes awarded for best dressed cowgirl and cowboy.
3.Classes to be held:
Western Pleasure
Barrel Race
4.Sign up in the Hippodrome Office between 4 PM and 5 PM on Saturday, September 5
5.Stick horses will be provided to those without a mount, but we encourage you to bring your own stick horse.
Date/Time: Saturday, September 5 – 5 pm
Location: Hippodrome
Red, White & You Day
Celebrate America’s 250th in Star-Spangled style!
Join us on Monday, September 7, for Red, White, & You Day at the South Dakota State Fair—where patriotic pride takes center stage!
Wear your boldest red, brightest white, and bluest blue to help us celebrate America250 and honor our nation’s past, present, and future.
Show your spirit and get rewarded! Everyone who dresses for the theme will be entered into a special prize drawing—you could walk away with something great just for showing your patriotic pride!
Let’s pack the fair with flags, fun, and festive flair. Stars, stripes, and smiles await—enjoy the fair and we’ll see you there!
Week Long Events
America250 Trash to Treasure Contest
Find all the information HERE
All-American Campsite Contest
Deck out your campsite in red, white, and blue for a chance to win exciting prizes and show off your patriotic flair. Whether you're going big and bold or charming and creative, we can’t wait to see your star-spangled setups!
More information on the competition will be included in the camping packets.
Daily National Anthem
Date/Time: Wednesday, September 2 – Saturday, September 5 & Monday, September 7 – 9:45 am; Sunday, September 6 – 10 am