One sure sign that summer is starting to wind down and the school year is not far behind, is always the arrival of the Sioux Empire Fair.

The Sioux Empire Fair makes its return to Sioux Falls for the 84th year starting this Friday (August 4) through Saturday (August 12) out at the W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds at 100 North Lyon Boulevard in Sioux Falls.

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What can you expect to see at this year's Sioux Empire Fair?

Let's start with more than 50 different carnival rides, livestock, and ag-related shows, concerts, a rodeo, arts and crafts competitions, a Free-Style Motocross Show, and food booths galore!

According to the folks at Pigeon 605, 48 food vendors will be on hand serving up everything from African food to goat meat, to freeze-dried candy, to inside-out cinnamon rolls, to all the traditional stuff like cotton candy, funnel cakes, and corn dogs. And I'm sure if you look really hard, you'll also be able to find some of those giant elephant ears too.

If you consider yourself to be crafty in the kitchen, you'll be able to participate in something new this year called the "Great Bundt Cake Bake Off." Word has it, there is a $200.00 prize package awaiting the best bundt cake maker in the Sioux Empire.

Pigeon 605 (with permission)

Speaking of this year's entertainment, the Grandstand at the 2023 Sioux Empire Fair will once again be heavy on country with Brothers Osborne, Eli Young Band, Roots & Boots, and Whiskey Myers performing. And a little light on the rock side with the Hairball show being the only rock offering.

Here are a couple of days you'll want to keep in mind...

Wednesday, (August 9) is Ag Appreciation Day. Fairgoers will be able to get in for free until 1 PM. Thursday, (August 10) is $20.00 wristband day, all midway rides will be half-price that day.

What about the weather?

It looks like Mother Nature plans to kick start our annual party on the wet side for the weekend, but then it's expected to turn sunny and nice starting on Monday and stay that way with temps in the upper 70s to low 80s for most of the week.

Taneil Johnson TSM

Take a peek at this year's fair schedule here, and see everything the 2023 Sioux Empire Fair has to offer.

Source: Pigeon 605

Twelve South Dakota Places to Put on Your "Must Visit" List!

Make the most of summer in South Dakota and visit these spots that speak to why SD is great!

A lot of them you might have visited, some you haven't for sure, and some are old favorites that maybe you haven't been to in a while. So, while there is still a little time or even one more weekend, and gas prices are down a bit - - try and make it to one of these great places.

What can be found in these 12 locations?

What can't? Camping, fishing swimming, kayaking, birdwatching, and tons of other great outdoors-type activities. Historical, educational exploration, hobby interests, kids activities, just plain old beautiful scenery, and- - to use an overused phrase- -lots more!

With all of that in mind, let's dive in!

15 Free Things to Do with Kids in Sioux Falls

"What are we gonna do with these kids?" A question every parent askes, especially in the summer. And it's always better if what you do with the kids is free.

Sioux Falls is a small city full of big fun for all ages, and a lot of it is free. We have world-class parks, museums, live music and so much more. Here's a handy list of 15 free things for you and the kids to do in Sioux Falls.