Laney Jackson, radio host on Kool 98 writes about her experiences at the South Dakota State Fair.
There’s something about the South Dakota State Fair that has always felt like home.
Growing up, the fair was more than rides, food stands, livestock barns, and concerts. It was one
of those experiences that quietly shaped the way I saw my home state. Walking through the
fairgrounds meant being surrounded by agriculture, music, SD businesses, familiar faces, and
generations of South Dakotans carrying on traditions of their own. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve
come to appreciate just how special that is. The State Fair is one of the most authentic
celebrations of South Dakota culture we have.
Although the fair had already been underway for a few days, Friday marked my first night on the
grounds this year after finishing out the teaching week. It was a pretty incredible way to begin!
X Ambassadors and The Fray took the grandstand stage Friday night, and somewhere between
hundreds of people singing along and the glow of cell phone lights across the crowd, I was
reminded of another thing I love, the way music connects people. Working in radio has allowed
me to share my love of music, but being with the crowd was a completely different feeling that
made me realize just how special music is for connection!
There were moments when I looked around and saw people wiping away tears. I was one of
them when my favorite songs came on. Lyrics can carry pieces of our lives with them, people we
love, places we’ve been, heartbreak, happiness, and memories we may not think about every day.
For a few minutes, people from across South Dakota with completely different stories can hear
the same song and somehow feel connected through it. This was an incredibly powerful
experience! And when the final song ended, the night didn’t.
People made their way toward the infamous beer gardens (I’m 23 and this was my first time
going…I know I’m a bit late to the party), where friends and strangers gathered around tables,
music continued and the celebration carried on. It felt less like attending an event and more like
being part of a community. That, to me, is what makes the State Fair special. You come for the
concerts, the food, the exhibits or the traditions, but somewhere along the way, you find yourself
celebrating alongside people from every corner of our state.
Friday was only day one for me, and there is still plenty of fair weekend ahead! I can’t wait to
share more! The weekend is here, so let’s eat the fried food (I’m not an expert but I don’t think
the calories count when it’s the fair), appreciate the music, support our communities, celebrate
our traditions, and appreciate this place we get to call home! As Gen Z says, don’t get FOMO
(fear of missing out)!