Sioux Empire Fair coming back in full force this year. Here's what's happening

Sioux Falls Argus Leader

The 82nd Annual Sioux Empire Fair returns to full activities for 2021.

The biggest fair in the state is starting up again soon, and full festivities are back this year.

After being more limited last year, the 82nd annual Sioux Empire Fair will take place in Sioux Falls with carnival rides, food vendors, games, music, livestock shows and more from August 5-14 at the fairgrounds.

A concert with Old Dominion and Carly Pearce kicks it all off on opening night, which opens gates at 5 p.m. The fair's carnival, food truck vendors and other events open Saturday at 10 a.m. with full commercial and food vendors again.

More people are expected to attend this year after Future Farmers of America, 4-H, bingo and a few other events went on hiatus in 2020 due to the pandemic.

“We've had a couple concerts this summer, and people are just so excited and happy to be out and going and doing events again,” said Courtney Hokanson, director of marketing at Sioux Empire Fair Association.

Rodeo will be at the 82nd Annual Sioux Empire Fair from Aug. 5-14, 2021.

Hokanson expects good traffic throughout the fair days and said the association hopes for the same amount of guests it saw in 2019.

“We encourage people to come if they’re comfortable, and we have a variety of things for families and everyone to work with,” Hokanson said.

In particular, first responders are getting a more-unique guest this year. Survivor of 9/11 Joe Torrillo will be sharing his story of being buried alive in New York, and first responders and one free guest are encouraged to attend with free gate admission that day with ID. Veterans and military personnel receive free admission as well with valid ID.

Previously:Minnehaha County approves up to $220K in emergency repairs to fairgrounds building

Randy Houser is playing this year's Sioux Empire Fair Aug. 10 at 8pm.

This year’s fair includes these major events with admission price:

Aug. 7 - Frankie Ballard

Aug. 8 - Hairball with Ron Keel band

Aug. 9 - Hardy with Parmalee

Aug. 10 - Randy Houser with Colt Ford

Aug. 11 - Agriculture Appreciation Day

Aug. 11 - 9/11 Survivor Joe Torrillo

Aug. 12 - Jameson Rodgers with Larry Fleet

Aug. 13 - Dakota Kids Pedal Pull

Aug. 13 - ATV Big Air Tour

Aug. 14 - PRCA Rodeo

Adult admission is $10. Children ages six to twelve are $5 and under age six is free. More info is available at http://www.siouxempirefair.com/