Laney Jackson, radio host on Kool 98 writes a series of articles about her experiences at the South Dakota State Fair.
This series of articles I have started has made me realize just how much there is to do at the SD
State Fair! Saturday’s adventures started with exploring the agricultural education buildings and
getting a closer look at the animals that represent such an important part of our state. I met Ninja,
a nine day old calf who is a cross between dairy and beef breeds, and Rosie, a one month old
goat who was just as sweet as she looks. Moments like these are what make the fair so special.
Agriculture isn’t something tucked away in the background here, it’s something you can see,
touch, learn about, and celebrate! Every agricultural display and educational event connects
people with such a crucial part of our culture here in South Dakota!
But this day at the fair also carried a much deeper meaning for me. Three years ago, I walked
these fairgrounds as Miss State Fair 2023, representing a place that had already been part of so
many memories throughout my life. This year, I returned as Miss Huron 2025 and officially gave
up my final local title. It was a full circle moment in every sense of the word. Another exciting
part was that the new Miss State Fair who was crowned on Saturday is also from Mitchell! The
Mitchell community really represented this year!
This year’s fair experiences have shown me what I love so much about the State Fair. It holds all
of these different pieces of life together. One minute you’re standing in an agricultural building
cuddling a baby calf, the next you’re reflecting on years of memories, and a few hours later
you’re surrounded by hundreds of people singing along to live music. There really is something
for everyone!
Saturday night ended with Nate Smith taking the grandstand stage. I have loved Nate Smith ever
since I first heard him on 105.9 KMIT, and seeing him perform live was one of the best
experiences of my life! He brought so much energy, and he even took time to walk throughout
the crowd! I had never seen anything like it before at a concert! He walked all the way through
the standing area and up around through the grandstand seating! It was amazing! He took
pictures, shook hands, and gave fist bumps all the way through! At the end, he even brought
people up on stage from the crowd! How often does something like that happen?! It was a sight
to see, and a moment that I know every person at the concert will remember and look back on for
life!
Saturday’s fair adventures exceeded expectations. From meeting Ninja and Rosie to mc’ing the
Miss State Fair/Miss Huron competition, and ending the night singing along with Nate Smith, it
was a day that somehow captured a small part of all of the amazing events at the fair this year.
With only a short amount of time left of the 2026 SD State Fair, I hope you can soak up every
memory you have made and will make!
Previous articles in this series:
More Than a Fair: Celebrating the Heart of South Dakota | Commentary – Mitchell Now