With the 83rd Annual Sioux Empire Fair behind us, the Commission continues to study the future of the W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds.
In January 2022, this commission adopted a resolution establishing a task force whose purpose is to review and establish a vision for the fairgrounds. With this challenging goal, the commission received an impressive number of applications from high-caliber community members.
The fifteen members selected have spent this year working together to accomplish their goal.
This project has gone through two significant phases. Working with Charles Smith Architecture & Planning, the fairgrounds staff gave a tour of the property and buildings to better understand the existing conditions. This analysis resulted in a comprehensive review of the existing property to understand multiple variables including the year-round use of the fairgrounds, the movement of both people and animals, parking, and site access.
Additionally, the first phase included an identification of significant issues, including: a need for utility upgrades, a need for renovation of several existing buildings, and that the Expo Center space limits the opportunity to host different national events.
Understanding what we have is only part of the equation. The second part is to understand the economic impact of the fairgrounds. While the Sioux Empire Fair is the most notable event, the W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds are busy year-round. Phase two of this project involves a study of the economic impact that the fairgrounds has on Minnehaha County.
The County does not receive any of the sales tax generated from the guests who visit the fair, explore downtown Sioux Falls, book a night in a hotel, or purchase gas while on their way home. Yet, that money is spent in our community and Phase two will give us a clear picture as to the economic impact that fairgrounds has – both during the fair and throughout the year.
This Commission is committed to being good stewards to the Lyon family and the gift that is the fairgrounds. I am thankful for the members of our community who have volunteered their time to study this important community landmark. The results of Phase two will be instrumental in how the county moves forward in establishing a vision for the fairgrounds and I am excited to see this process move forward.
