FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, April 26, 2023

MEDIA CONTACT: Candi Briley, (605) 353-7340

South Dakota State Fair Foundation Announces ‘Raise The SHED: The Grand Drive’

HURON, S.D. – Join the South Dakota State Fair Foundation in making an immediate and positive impact and be part of ‘Raise The SHED: The Grand Drive’ campaign. The SHED will be the new home for Open Class Sheep at the South Dakota State Fairgrounds in Huron and serve as a multi-purpose facility including a show arena and educational center. The indoor educational center will provide a place for interactive learning about the sheep industry, opportunities in agriculture, and our state’s rich agricultural history.

The Grand Drive focuses on the variety of giving levels that are part of the ‘Raise The SHED’ campaign. Be a part of this unique group and invest $1,000 to the campaign and receive recognition on the Donor Wall in a prominent space of the new building. The South Dakota State Fair Foundation challenges 1,000 people to be a part of this unique drive and donate at least $1,000. Doing so will raise $1,000,000 for the ‘Raise The SHED’ campaign.

Agriculture is South Dakota’s #1 industry. By supporting The SHED, you are supporting youth involvement and education in agriculture, which is necessary to maintain a strong ag industry for our kids and grandkids. The South Dakota State Fair is proud to support and celebrate agriculture!

“A new facility is essential for the continued growth of the sheep industry in South Dakota, and your donation towards building The SHED will help support both youth and open class exhibitors,” said Fred DeRouchey, ‘Raise The SHED’ fundraising committee member. “Our three sons’ involvement with their 4-H and FFA sheep projects and exhibiting at the SD State Fair provided them many opportunities. It helped them develop responsibility feeding and caring for their animals, taught them showmanship and livestock judging skills, and most importantly they made friendships that will last a lifetime.”

The SHED fundraising goal is $3 million. The total project cost is approximately $8 million.

The “Raise The SHED” campaign includes several donor opportunities for all donation levels including show arena naming rights, donor wall sponsorships, and a wool wall. For more information on how to donate visit: www.sdstatefairfoundation.com 

The former Open Class Sheep Barn has been demolished, and project planning and design for The SHED is underway. A groundbreaking ceremony is expected to be held during the 2024 State Fair.

For additional information about the project or questions about the ‘Raise The SHED’ campaign please contact Peggy Besch, South Dakota State Fairgrounds Manager at 605.353.7340 or peggy.besch@state.sd.us or Fundraising Campaign Chairman Larry Tidemann at 605.690.8353. A complete list of fundraising committee members and campaign information can be found at https://www.sdstatefairfoundation.com/.

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