SOUTH DAKOTA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 24, 2005 
Contact: Cindy Titze 605-353-7340

SD State Fair State Fair Grandstand Line-up Includes Some of the Hottest Acts in the Music Industry

(Huron, SD) The 2005 South Dakota State Fair grandstand line-up will include top acts in the music industry. Country, Rock, Oldies—it’s all part of the 2005 line-up.

The line-up includes an arsenal of top country acts. Rascal Flatts, known for their smash hits “Bless the Broken Road”, “Feels Like Today”, and “Mayberry”, will headline the opening night, Saturday, September 3 with Blake Shelton opening. Shelton is known for his hit singles “Some Beach”, “Austin”, and “Play Boys of the Southwestern World.” Jimmy Wayne and Darryl Worley will take the stage on Tuesday, September 6- “Heroes in Uniform Day.” Darryl Worley’s hits include “Have You Forgotten”, “A Good Day to Run”, and his latest #1 hit “Awful, Beautiful, Life”. Jimmy Wayne will open the night and is well known for his recent hits “I Love You This Much”, “Paper Angels”, and “Stay Gone”. Lonestar will be the featured act on Wednesday, September 7. Lonestar has been a solid hit maker in the country music industry. Lonestar has climbed the charts with “Mr. Mom”, “Amazed”, “Class Reunion (That Used to Be Us)”, and “My Front Porch Looking In”.

Join pop-rock superstars Hoobastank at the State Fair on Labor Day Monday, September 5, to see the live performance of songs, such as the #1 multi-format smash hit "The Reason" and the song that guaranteed their entry into rock stardom with their debut single "Crawling in the Dark." 

Thursday and Friday - September 8-9 –
Championship Bull Riding, Inc. (CBR), recently voted the #1 “Fan Favorite” special interest show on the Outdoor Channel, features some of the greatest industry icons: Tuff Hedeman, four-time World Champion; Terry Williams, seven-time Stock Contractor of the Year; and Pam Minick, former Miss Rodeo America and most recognizable female TV personality in the industry. Labeled the “fastest hour on television,” and the first in the industry to broadcast in High Definition TV, the CBR promotes high quality, professional level bull riding. We will also have Three Time World Champion bucking bull Little Yellow Jacket and his superstar younger brother Red Jacket. Miss Rodeo South Dakota will also be attending the event. Both nights of action will be televised from the South Dakota State Fair!

The Festival of Four is back by popular demand on Saturday, September 10. The day will feature Vocal Trash, Eclipse, Comedian Bill Engvall of the Blue Collar Comedy Tour, and the ever popular country act Sawyer Brown. Vocal Trash combines tight vocal harmonies with grit of “Street Instruments.” Vocal Trash is a band that offers Oldies and Rock and Roll with contemporary beats and will not be forgotten by spectators young and old. The native South Dakota band, Eclipse, is one of the most high energy bands anyone will have the pleasure to see and have a huge fan base. Bill Engvall known for his outrageously funny comedy and trademark phrase “Here’s Your Sign” will leave you laughing well beyond his performance. Sawyer Brown will round out the Festival of Four. The group Sawyer Brown has enjoyed numerous hits over the year’s including “Some Girls Do”, “The Dirt Road”, and “800 Pound Jesus” are just to name a few.

“We couldn’t be happier with the line-up for 2005,” commented Susan Hayward, South Dakota State Fair – Manager. “The acts we have are some of the most sought after groups in the industry and we are pleased to have them. Whether it’s country, rock, oldies, or comedy we have it all during the biggest week of the summer!”

The last grandstand act will be announced soon, in addition to a big name free stage acts. Tickets will go on sale to the general public on June 1. Members of the “Friends of the Fair” program who purchase a $50.00 program will have the opportunity to purchase tickets on May 24.

The 2005 South Dakota State Fair will be held September 3-10.

For more information contact the South Dakota State Fair office at 1-800-529-0900 or 605-353-7340.

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Other Exciting Events and Attractions Slated for the 2005 SD State Fair:

Heroes in Uniform Day will honor our veterans, military, national guard, and everyday heroes including nurses, doctors, EMTs, policemen, and firemen. With identification our “Heroes in Uniform” will receive free gate admission. Tuesday is also dollar day so all other fairgoers will only pay $1.00 each (not valid with any other offer or coupons)

Education
The education program will feature a variety of educational exhibits and presentations for schools from across the state to take part in. Since the State Fair is centrally located, it offers opportunities to schools that would not generally have this type of programming available to them. One of the educational programs is presented by a company called Mad Science. They present “Funky Farmworks,” a live stage show that explores the fun side of science. Mad Scientists take students to a rustic, turn-of-the-century farm where scientists take over the farm. They take students on a journey through some of the amazing scientific advancements that have revolutionized life on the farm. They use audience volunteers to help with interactive experiments—one of the best ways to demonstrate the ever-changing and complex world of agriculture! They demonstrate to students the importance of producing more food using less space and time. They show how modern planting techniques, aided by global positioning systems and weather-resistant crops, can help farmers yield more produce. It’s all fun – and it’s all done with students, generating excitement about math and science and what that means to us in South Dakota, an agricultural state. 

Cook-offs
BBQ Beef Cook-off sponsored by American Bank & Trust – September 5
Spam Contest
Chili Cook-off- September 10

South Dakota Outdoor Recreation Day is being planned by the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks - Saturday, September 10. Plans are underway for a gun show, calling demos, ATV/snowmobile/boats displays and other unique items celebrating South Dakota’s outdoor recreational activities.

A Sneak Peak at free on grounds entertainment:
Kyle Wyley- up and coming Nashville country artist
Abbey Road- the premier Beatles Tribute Band in the Upper Midwest
Sherwin & Pam Linton & The Cotton Kings
Ron & Nancy Moshier
Tonic Sol Fa
The Great Pretenders presented by De Smet Farm Mutual Insurance Company of South Dakota

SD Auctioneer Contest – Saturday, September 10

Big Name Country Act to Be Named Soon for Free Stage Entertainment!!

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