SOUTH DAKOTA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2015

Media Contact: Kathryn Henning, 605-274-3370

Jerry and Sandra Mencke Invest in New State Fairgrounds Exhibit Hall with $10,000 Gift

HURON, S.D. - Jerry and Sandra Mencke of Huron have provided a $10,000 gift toward the capital campaign to construct the Nordby Exhibit Hall on the South Dakota State Fairgrounds. 

Four flag pole naming opportunities have been made available for those providing at least $10,000 toward the Capital Campaign to construct the Nordby Exhibit Hall on the South Dakota State Fairgrounds. The four poles will feature the American flag, state flag, 4-H flag and day/event sponsor flag. Jerry and Sandra have chosen to have their name on a plaque at the base of the American flag pole.

The Mencke’s have been lifelong residents of Huron. Jerry was a parts manager for Olsen Implement, a farm and truck dealer, for 47 years. Sandra worked for USDA, Rural Development for 28 years. They have three grown children - Ken of Minneapolis, Kurt (Karyl) of Springfield, Va., and Kim (Jeff) DeVries of Huron, along with eight grandchildren. Sandra and Jerry have always enjoyed attending the fair, and every year they can be seen volunteering to drive golf carts, working at the Veterans’ and Senior Citizens’ building or just enjoying shows. 

“The new 4-H building will be a big benefit to the Huron community and a statewide benefit to the families of South Dakota,” said Jerry Mencke. “Seven of our grandchildren are 4-H members and all have gone through or are going through the project areas of Home Environment, Visual Arts, Foods and Nutrition, Child Development, Horticulture, Photography and Livestock. We believe our grandchildren have greatly benefitted from going through the 4-H programs, and it will be a lifelong learning experience for them.”

“The support from the Mencke family is very much appreciated,” said Loren Noess, Capital Campaign chair. “We are grateful for this family’s gift and the gifts from all the families who have contributed toward the construction of the new 4-H exhibit hall.”

When built, the 48,000 square-foot Nordby Exhibit Hall for 4-H, Youth, and Community will feature more than 30,000 square feet of exhibit space, multiple classrooms, a large kitchen for 4-H Special Foods competitions and a performance stage for the many 4-H activities that will take place there year-round. 

The Foundation has raised nearly $3.7 million of its $4.7 million goal. Those interested in supporting the Capital Campaign should contact the State Fair Foundation at 605-274-3370 or visit www.sdstatefairfoundation.com.

Agriculture is South Dakota's No. 1 industry, generating over $25.6 billion in annual economic activity and employing more than 115,000 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 and Twitter.

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