PHOTO OF THE DAY: FAIR PLAY
This photo from South Dakota News Watch was published last week with an accompanying story by Stu Whitney that focuses on the Turner County Fair and its ability to thrive in what are otherwise difficult times for county fairs.
“County fairs held in small-town settings across South Dakota each summer come with a caveat. Many counties are struggling to find enough revenue to pay for public safety, sanitation, water systems and other services they’re required to provide,” Whitney writes. “A summer legislative study has explored possible solutions, including consolidation of services among smaller counties and enhanced revenue streams, such as allowing counties to charge sales tax.
“Turner County’s proximity to fast-growing Lincoln and Minnehaha counties has helped it avoid the population decline seen in many rural sectors. Turner saw a 2.2% population increase from 2020 to 2022 and now sits at 8,856 residents, with Parker joined by communities such as Marion, Viborg, Centerville and Hurley.
“Parker, the county seat, has a population of more than 1,200, with a growing school district that recently added a new elementary school. The high school will also be expanded with a new career and technical education (CTE) facility and auxiliary gym after voters passed a $4 million bond issue in November 2022.
“This civic momentum extends to the Turner County Fair, which started in 1880 and settled into its current site in 1941 with help from the Works Progress Administration. From 2018-21, county officials devoted an average of $58,000 in general funds annually to support the fair, with part-time salaries paid to a fair manager and secretary.”
Click here to read the story — and all the other stories from South Dakota News Watch — in full.
