SOUTH DAKOTA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Aug.16, 2013

Media Contact: Candi Hettinger, 605.353.7354

Overview of Important State Fair Policies

HURON, S.D. – With the South Dakota State Fair (SDSF) only a few short weeks away, SDSF Administration would like to remind people about a few important State Fair policies.

Animal Industry Board Hours

For livestock exhibitors coming to the State Fair needing their animals checked, fair entrance gates will be closed to animal entries between the hours of 12-6 a.m. CDT. Animal Industry Board staff will not be present, so please plan accordingly.

Dog and Cat Policy during the State Fair

Per state statute 12:02:06:03, dogs and cats are restricted to the campgrounds only and are required to be current with their vaccinations. Each animal area must be maintained and kept clean. Dogs and cats are not allowed in the vending, exhibit or carnival areas. Service dogs and dogs and cats that are part of an exhibit are an exception to the rule.

Golf Cart Policy

Earlier this spring, the South Dakota State Fair implemented new restrictions on golf carts for the safety of fair-goers.

To eliminate the risks associated with operating personal golf carts during the State Fair, personal golf carts will no longer be allowed on the fairgrounds during the annual event. Many other transportation options will be available.

Golf carts will be made available for rent from an authorized golf cart vendor prior to and during the State Fair. Information on rental rates and reservations can be obtained by contacting GTI Golf Carts at 1.800.477.0467. GTI will extend the reservation deadline to Monday, Aug.19 at 5 p.m. MDT. Rental carts will be available  on a first come, first serve basis. To ensure your rental, it is recommended to call and reserve before the deadline.

Renters will be required to obtain golf cart permits from the State Fair office and show proof of $500,000 liability insurance stating for the use of a golf cart on the SD State Fairgrounds. Information on golf cart permits can be obtained by going to the State Fair website at www.sdstatefair.com or by contacting the State Fair office at 605.353.7340.

The 2013 South Dakota State Fair will run from Thursday, Aug. 29, through Monday, Sept. 2. Channel Seeds Preview night will be Wednesday, Aug. 28. This year’s theme is “Starry Nights and Midway Lights.” For more information on State Fair events, contact the Fair office at 800.529.0900, visit www.sdstatefair.com or find them Facebook and Twitter.

Agriculture is South Dakota's No. 1 industry, generating over $21 billion in annual economic activity and employing more than 122,000 South Dakotans. The South Dakota Department of Agriculture's mission is to promote, protect, preserve, and improve this industry for today and tomorrow. Visit us online at http://sdda.sd.gov or find us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SDAgDept and Twitter @SDAgriculture.

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