Extra day helps South Dakota State Fair churn 20 percent more in tax revenues
Revenue office reports fairgoers spent $3.2M during this year's gathering in Huron
This year’s South Dakota State Fair saw a 20 percent increase in tax revenues generated during the annual event in Huron.
According to the South Dakota Department of Revenue, $266,352.21 in tax collections were reported during the Labor Day weekend fair, up from $222,108.58 in 2023.
This year, 602 booths were rented by 301 vendors, a 6.5 percent decrease from 2023, when 322 booths were rented. Despite the drop in vendor participation, fairgoers spent more than $3.2 million on goods, services, and concessions during the six-day event, according to the Department of Revenue.
“South Dakota has seen consistent revenue from the State Fair over the last several years,” said the department in a press release Thursday. “Thousands of South Dakotans got out to enjoy the state fair and all the fun family attractions that came with it.”
Of the tax collected during the State Fair, $136,745.50 was state sales tax, $63,106.02 was Huron’s municipal sales tax, $19,256.35 was Huron’s municipal gross receipts tax, and $47,244.34 was state tourism tax.
This year’s fair followed a decision by the South Dakota State Fair Division of the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources to extend the event to six days from the traditional five.
The 2025 South Dakota State Fair dates are Wednesday, Aug. 27 through Monday, Sept. 1.
The Dakota Scout is the official newspaper of the city of Sioux Falls, the Sioux Falls School District and the city of Baltic.