Major gift donor announced for new South Dakota State Fair exhibit hall

HURON, S.D. – The South Dakota State Fair Foundation announced last week that Earl Nordby from Huron has given a gift of $1 million to the Capital Campaign for the building of a new exhibit hall on the South Dakota State Fairgrounds.

The new exhibit hall will bear his name: Nordby Exhibit Hall for 4-H, Youth and Community. The $1 million gift was given in August 2013 to kick off the campaign at the S.D. State Fair.

“Throughout his life, Mr. Nordby has been a generous contributor to the State Fair, monetarily and personally,” said South Dakota Secretary of Agriculture Lucas Lentsch. “He has helped the Fair achieve its mission in creating a successful, family friendly venue that showcases youth and community achievement. We are grateful for Mr. Nordby’s gift toward the building, which so deservingly will bear his name.”

The Foundation has raised $2,255,000 million of the $4 million goal.

“The Nordby Exhibit Hall for 4-H, Youth and Community will be a major asset to the State Fairgrounds,” said Jerome Hertel, S.D. State Fair director. “4-H events are a cornerstone of the State Fair and this facility will propel 4-H into the future.”

The new 46,910 square-foot exhibit hall will feature more than 35,000 square feet of exhibit space, multiple classrooms, a large kitchen for 4-H Special Foods competitions, year-round concessions and a performance stage.

Those interested in supporting the Capital Campaign should contact the State Fair office at 605.353.7340 or visit www.sdstatefairfoundation.com.