Turner County Fair 2024 in South Dakota

The Turner County Fair is a four-day event with free gate admission, held at Turner County Fairgrounds in Parker, South Dakota. Every August, the fair features agriculture displays, thrilling midway rides, and exciting grandstand races. The Turner County Fair offers a variety of local food, like lamb, homemade ice cream, tri-tip sandwiches, homemade pie, pork loin sandwiches, fresh-baked donuts, elephant ears, and more.

Entertainment Program

The Turner County Fair is a favorite event for local families since it serves as an unofficial end to summer. Take advantage of four days filled with live music, delicious food, and exciting rides before summer ends and school starts! The fair, which has been running since 1880, is famous for its thrilling demolition derby, mud drags, and figure-8 races. Other highlights include Ranch Rodeo as well as Bulls, Bronc’s, and Barrel’s, and Enduro races.

Agriculture displays include the Lamb and Beef Show, 4-H Dairy Goat Show, Poultry and Rabbit exhibits, Open Class produce exhibit, and much more. You also have a chance to participate in the pie-baking contest and win a complimentary prize.

Food & Beverages

Food has a special place in the households of the Midwest, so prepare to feast on the delicious meals prepared by local vendors. Churches and small businesses from the area offer a plethora of fare options, ranging from homemade pies, Philly cheese steaks, and tri-tip sirloin sandwiches to french fries and classic festival foods like corn on the cob. To cool down in the August heat, consider grabbing some lemonade, cherry beam coffee, or a root beer float.

Schedule & Hours

The first exhibits and demonstrations are scheduled to begin as early as 8 am; however, commercial booths open three hours later, at 11 am. Festivities span from 8 am until after 7 pm on August 12th, from 9 am until 9 pm on August 13th, from 9 am until after 7 pm on August 14th, and from 8:30 am until 9 pm on August 15th. Last events are usually taking place at 7 pm, with the venue closing at 9 pm. Midway wristbands can be used from 4 until 9 pm on Tuesday and from 1 until 6 pm on Wednesday and Thursday.

Tickets

Admission to the fair itself is free, but grandstand events require separate tickets. General admission to Ranch Rodeo, Bulls, Broncs & Barrels, Enduro Races, Figure 8 Races, and Demolition Derby costs $15 for adults. Reserved seating for these events costs $20.

Location

Turner County Fair takes place in Parker, a quaint city in Turner County. The city is located about 3o miles (48 km) east of Sioux Falls and 60 miles (96 km) away from Mitchell. You'll be able to find the fairgrounds between North Pine Avenue and North Plum Avenue at the East 1st Street.