[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 10]
[Senate]
[Page 14288]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




               SOUTH DAKOTA STATE FAIR QUASQUICENTENNIAL

   Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, it is with great honor that 
today I recognize the 125th anniversary of the South Dakota State Fair. 
This quasquicentennial is meaningful to the citizens of South Dakota, 
as many visit this event each year for entertainment, competition and 
great company. Whether it is the 4-H competitions, carnival rides, live 
music, informational booths or the many commercial vendors there is 
something for everyone at the State fair.
  From its humble beginnings, the State fair started with only 85 acres 
of land that was deeded to the State of South Dakota by the Chicago and 
Northwestern Railway Company for $50,000. With time, the fair grew as 
the South Dakota population grew. More land has been purchased, 
buildings have been constructed, and several improvements have been 
made. Today, the grounds host a wide range of buildings from the 4-H 
livestock complex to grandstands. Although changes have been made to 
fair ground's landscape since its founding, the South Dakota State Fair 
has stayed true to its mission, which is to have the fairgrounds be 
seen as a successful year-round, family-friendly venue that showcases 
youth, achievement, agriculture and community.
  September 2-6, 2010, South Dakotans from across the State will gather 
at the State fairgrounds in Huron to celebrate 125 years of our State's 
history. With live entertainment, livestock events, the South Dakota 
Outdoor Expo, and more, all ages will celebrate in the day's 
activities. I hope this celebration gives our citizens a chance to 
reflect on our shared State history, as well as our promising future.
  As frequent visitor to the South Dakota State Fair, I congratulate 
the South Dakota State Fair on reaching this monumental anniversary, 
and I look forward to the future as the fair continues to 
prosper.

                          ____________________