The Sioux Empire Fair wrapped up last weekend in Minnehaha County. Visitors could find all the classic county fair staples: rides, deep-fried food, 4-H exhibits, and a menagerie of animals at the Dairy Barn and "Old Mc. D" farm.
That's where "In the Moment" Producer Carl Norquist stumbled upon a squad of teenagers with the Harrisburg chapter of Future Farmers of America — lounging on a pile of haybales at the end of the barn. They all agreed they loved working with the animals, especially a mischievous donkey named "Stanley." Stanley had a propensity for escaping from his enclosure. The FFA students say they twice needed to wrangle him and bring him back to his pen.
Listen to Carter Ractliffe and Erika Starr share their stories from the Sioux Empire Fairgrounds.
Go to the north edge of the Sioux Empire Fair and you might feel like you've stepped back in time.
Pioneer Lane is a collection of historic buildings that have been moved to the fairgrounds. They include a school house, a church, a train depot, and a log cabin.
The Fersdahl cabin was originally built in 1868 in the Renner area. Members of the Norwegian Fersdahl family were among the first white settlers in South Dakota.
Local guide Daryl Meyer says he's always loved learning about history. He shares his story of working in the Fersdahl cabin and what attracts him to Pioneer Lane.
