FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 17, 2026 

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

  

Educators Encouraged to Enter Students’ Work in the South Dakota State Fair 

  

HURON, S.D. – The South Dakota State Fair and the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) invite educators to showcase their students’ talents by submitting education entries for display in the Arts & Education Building at the 2026 South Dakota State Fair. 

  

“The Education Division really shines a spotlight on the creativity and effort students put into their projects,” said State Fair Manager Peggy Besch. “It’s exciting for parents, families, and students to see their work proudly displayed at the fair.” 

  

In 2025, over 8,200 student projects were entered. The education division features a variety of creative and academic works, including art, literature, computer graphics, and more. 

  

Entry forms are due to the State Fair office by April 15, 2026. 

  

Projects from all classroom subjects are eligible for entry from public, private, and alternative instruction educators. Schools interested in submitting entries to the fairgrounds should contact the fair at 605.353.7340 for assistance.  

  

The Education Department handbook and instructions on how to enter are available online at https://www.sdstatefair.com/participate/competitive-exhibits/education/. Online entry is now available.  

  

The 2026 South Dakota State Fair kicks off on Channel Seeds Opening Day, Wednesday, September 2, and runs through Monday, September 7. For more information, contact the State Fair office at 800-529-0900, visit www.sdstatefair.com or check it out on Facebook, Instagram, and X. 

 

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