As 2023 marches on, the W.H. Lyon Fairground Taskforce continues to work towards its purpose of reviewing and establishing a vision for the Fairgrounds. In 2022, Minnehaha County contracted with a consultant to better understand the market and economic impact the fairgrounds have on our community. This comprehensive study included interviews with Sioux Falls-area stakeholders, interviews with past, current, and potential users of the fairgrounds, and more than 500 events represented by promoters or planners were surveyed by telephone.
The results of the economic and market analysis showed that with investment in improved fairgrounds facilities there is potential for a significant economic impact for Minnehaha County and its communities. The next question becomes, what do those improvements look like?
The W.H. Lyon Fairground Taskforce has been meeting frequently in 2023 to better understand key operational and infrastructure issues. There have been three meetings in 2023, focused on: the history of the Lyon family, the deeds, ordinances, and restrictions related to the property, state laws concerning fairgrounds, facility floor plans, finances, and utilities and infrastructure.
Each of these topics and future meetings have given the Taskforce a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities surrounding the W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds.
There are more topic-focused meetings scheduled for the Taskforce. These meetings are open to the public and I encourage you to attend to learn more. Dates and times can be found on the Minnehaha County website, just click on the most recent Board of Commissioners meeting calendar for upcoming meetings.
