FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 25, 2025 

MEDIA CONTACT: Candi Briley, candi.briley@state.sd.us  

South Dakota State Fair Invites Fairgoers to Participate in America250 Initiative  

HURON, S.D. - The South Dakota State Fair is excited to announce its participating in America250, the national initiative commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States and encourages fairgoers to join in the celebration. 

“Celebrating America250 at the South Dakota State Fair is an opportunity for all of us to come together as proud Americans,” said Secretary Hunter Roberts. “It’s a time to honor our history, celebrate our freedoms, and display our patriotism.”  

The activities begin with fireworks lighting up the sky after both nights of the Red Wilk Construction Tuff Hedeman Bull Bash on Wednesday, August 27 and Thursday, August 28.  

Highlights of the America250 celebration at the fair include: 

• A Salute to Veterans Flyover;
• Daily America250-themed activities and contests, including America’s Ag-mazing Race, the Great American Animal Calling Contest, Great American Pie Eating Contest, Great American Hot Dog Eating Contest, Shuck Yeah! The Great American Corn Eating Contest; and
• A re-enactment of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, allowing students to sign their own version of the document.

“The South Dakota’s State Fair is joining many other states around the nation to kick off what will be many celebrations in the run up to America’s 250th birthday,” said Dr. Jones, Director of the South Dakota State Historical Society. “I encourage people to join together in their red, white, and blue.”