Sneak Peek Night Offers First Taste of Sioux Empire Fair Fun

A Special Tribute: America's 250th Anniversary

The countdown to the 87th Annual Sioux Empire Fair is officially on, and organizers are inviting everyone to kick off the festivities with a special Sneak Peek Night on Friday, July 31.

This year's opening-night celebration is extra special as the fair joins communities across the country in celebrating America's 250th Anniversary with an evening packed full of family fun and a spectacular fireworks show.

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Sneak Peek Night gives fairgoers the chance to be among the first to experience the fairgrounds before the busy weekend crowds arrive. Guests can stroll through the grounds, sample favorite fair foods, visit the petting zoo, and check out the Discovery Barn while enjoying reduced admission prices.

Fireworks Extravaganza: Spectacular Show to Cap the Evening

The evening will conclude with a dazzling fireworks display over the fairgrounds. You can grab a seat in the grandstand and enjoy the show at no additional charge, as the fireworks are included with paid fair admission.

Admission for the event is just $5 for everyone ages 6 and older, while kids 5 and under get in free.

Parking and Transportation Tips

The East Parking Lot will be closed for the fireworks show to give everybody the best viewing experience. All guest parking will be directed to the North Parking Lot, and fair officials encourage visitors to arrive early and allow extra time for parking.

Complimentary trams and courtesy carts will run from the North Entrance between 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. to help people reach the grandstand area.

If Mother Nature doesn't cooperate, the fireworks show will be canceled and won't be rescheduled during the fair.

Whether you're coming for the food, the animals, the exhibits, or the fireworks, Sneak Peek Night promises to be a memorable way to launch another year of Sioux Empire Fair fun.

Minnesota's Must See World's Largest Roadside Attractions

If you are making some family summer vacation plans maybe check out Minnesota's Roadside Attractions like the World's Largest Otter, Pelican, Babe The Blue Ox, and more!

South Dakota "Tunnel to Nowhere"

All controversies aside (because as we all know, there are many) South Dakota's Mount Rushmore was and remains an astonishing achievement by sculptor Gutzon Borglum and his son (interestingly enough) named Lincoln.

Many people, however, don't know that there is a secret tunnel just behind Lincoln's head (Abraham Lincoln that is, not Lincoln Borglum) that has been named one of the Greatest Places in the United States.

Sculptor Borglum believed that in time people would forget the meaning behind Mount Rushmore and that its importance would fade in the American consciousness. So he wanted an addition to the monument which would ensure that didn't happen.

Very few people have seen this "secret tunnel" behind Mt. Rushmore without the permission of the National Park Service, and to be honest there isn't a whole lot to see in the unfinished condition in which it remains.

Gallery Credit: Patty Dee

Filed Under: Sioux Empire Fair in Sioux Falls