State Fair

2026 State Fair

Date: Wednesday, September 2 – Monday, September 7, 2026

Location: South Dakota State Fairgrounds, Huron

Registration Deadline: August 1, 2026 by 11:59 p.m. CDT

SDSU Extension’s 4-H Youth Development Program helps young people to reach their full potential as competent, confident leaders of character who contribute and are connected to their communities.

In 4-H, youth design and participate in their own projects and related activities. This unique learn-by-doing model teaches essential skills that youth will use throughout their lives. Whether a young person builds a rocket, raises a companion pet, or plants vegetables, 4-H gives youth the skills they need to thrive and succeed.

Featured Resources

4-H ribbons and awards stacked on a table.

State Fair Book

The Fair Book contains exhibit requirements and important information for all State Fair 4-H division animal, static, and youth-in-action contests.

Youth judging fruits, vegetable and plants

4-H Online & FairEntry

4-H Online is SDSU Extension's system for managing 4-H enrollment and federal reporting.

Overhead view of State Fair 4-H exhibits

South Dakota State Fair Website

Visit the South Dakota State Fair website for information about camping and general fair details.

Books, Forms and Scoresheets

Items are scoresheets unless otherwise labeled. Forms and worksheets are marked with a *.

4-H Ribbons Explained

4-H encourages all members to "make the best better." An essential role of volunteer judges is to provide feedback to exhibitors on how projects could or should be improved, allowing members to expand their knowledge in a project area.

Use this video as a resource to better understand the Danish system of judging, which compares an exhibit to the ideal standards.

Visit 4-H Judging Resources to review the hot sheets on judging basics, judging 4-H exhibits and providing feedback.

Past Results

Results, recognition and photos from past State Fair 4-H competitions can be viewed below.

Livestock

Beef

Dairy Cattle

Goats

Small Animal

Sheep

Swine

Display Exhibits

Youth In Action

Premier Exhibitor

View photos in the 2024 State Fair album.

Livestock

Beef

Dairy Cattle

Goats

Small Animal

Sheep

Swine

Display Exhibits

Youth in Action

Premier Exhibitor

View photos in the 2023 State Fair album.

Livestock

Beef

Dairy Cattle

Goats

Small Animal

Sheep

Swine

Premier Exhibitor

Static Exhibits

Youth in Action

View photos in the 2022 State Fair album.

View photos in the 2020 4-H State Fair album.

View photos in the 2019 4-H State Fair album.

Livestock

Beef

Dairy Cattle

Goats

Small Animal

Sheep

Swine

Static Exhibits

Youth In Action

View photos in the 2018 4-H State Fair album.

Livestock

Beef

Dairy Cattle

Goats

Small Animals

Sheep

Swine

Static Exhibits

Youth in Action

Related Topics

4-H State Fair

Recommended Content

4-H youth being talking with judge during dog show

State Dog Show

View contestant resources and results for the State 4-H Dog Show.

red barn with a white shed in front of it and trees in the background

4HOnline & FairEntry

Instructions for using 4HOnline and FairEntry.