Preparations begin for Central States Fair

Sprucing up the grounds in full swing

By Sarah Beu, Journal staff | Tuesday, August 12, 2008

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On Monday, Justin Brennan and his crew spent the day doing a “little bit of everything” to prepare for the 63rd annual Central States Fair, which starts Friday.

Brennan, the maintenance manager of the Central States Fairgrounds, and his team were cleaning out buildings, setting up the petting zoo, mowing the parking lots and sprucing up the bathrooms.

“Oh man, we’re just hustling to get everything done,” Brennan said. “The first day is the most important. We have the time to make it perfect.”

Pig wrestling, hockey puck shootouts, a Joe Nichols concert and rodeos are among the lineup for the 10-day-long fair, the longest running fair in South Dakota.

“There’s a tremendous variety of entertainment,” said Ron Jeffries, general manager of the Central States Fair. He expects to see a good turnout of people this year. “People aren’t traveling as far for vacation. This is an affordable vacation in their backyard.”

Brennan said the grandstands will have five sets throughout the week, changing with events such as a truck and tractor pull, a demolition derby, four country music concerts and three days of rodeos.

Every day, activities will be available for children of all ages such as educational programs, a Hannah Montana lip-sync contest and visits from three clowns.

Todd Armstrong Shows carnival is arriving today with five new rides, including a 100-foot drop tower, Jeffries said.

Thursday, Aug. 21, is Military Appreciation Day and the first day of rodeo. The only admission is ground admission, and everyone with military ID gets in free.

One event will debut this year: the South Dakota rock, paper and scissors championships, which is split into children and adult divisions.

“We’re working it up to be a world-class event,” Jeffries joked.

General admission to the fairgrounds is $2.

Three entrance gates will be open: Gate 1 is the main gate at the San Francisco Street east entrance, off Cambell Street, and is for walk-through fairgoers only. Gate 2 east of  the 4-H Building on Centre Street will be used by horse event exhibitors. Gate 3 on La Crosse Street, west of the 4-H Building, will be used for exhibitors, superintendents, fair employees, fairgoers and livestock-hauling vehicles and is open 24 hours.

Contact Sarah Beu at 394-3813 or sarah.beu@rapidcityjournal.com