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SD State Fair attendance approaches pre-pandemic levels

South Dakota State Fair (file)
South Dakota Dept. of Tourism
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South Dakota Dept. of Tourism
South Dakota State Fair (file)

Attendance at the 2022 South Dakota State Fair nearly reached pre-pandemic levels.

A total of 192,279 guest passed through the gates at this year's fair in Huron, according to the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

That's roughly 10,000 more than last year, and nearly double 2020's attendance. However, it's still lower than 2019 when around 205,000 people attended.

Tax revenue exceeded pre-pandemic levels. Officials said the 2022 fair generated $244,000. That’s nearly 15% higher than 2021, and around 12% higher than 2019.

Josh Chilson is the news director at South Dakota Public Broadcasting. A Florence, S.D. native, Josh graduated with a journalism degree from South Dakota State University. He has worked as a newspaper reporter and videographer, and most recently as managing editor for Dakota News Now. Josh is based out of SDPB's Sioux Falls studio.