NISLAND, S.D. – The 104th Butte / Lawrence County Fair opens today with horse shows and continues through Saturday, August 2, 2025 at the historic fairgrounds.
A sampling of some of the week-long activities are 4-H, FFA and open livestock exhibits and non-livestock entries, movie at the Pavilion on Tues., July 29, a fishing tournament, turtle races and pig wrestling on July 30; Thurs., July 31 there is a talent and fashion show and a free barbeque. That evening offers a NFR ranch rodeo and catch-a-sheep contest. On Fri., Aug. 1, the popular livestock sale and buyer appreciation supper takes place and on Sat., Aug. 2 the always popular youth rodeo gets underway at 9am.
According to Chad Mackaben, President of the Fairboard, both livestock entries and static exhibits are up for this year’s fair.
“In the last nine years, we’ve doubled in size and entries,” he said. “We’ve added a lot of great things like the ‘Catch-a-Sheep Contest’ that keeps the sheep show going. ‘Heifers for 4-H’ is designed to keep the beef numbers up. This year, there’s just over 900 animals entered in the Butte/Lawrence County Fair and that doesn’t include all the static project exhibits.”
Mackaben, who grew up south of Union Center, S.D. and spent his growing up years showing at the Meade County Fair that just concluded, now sees his children spending their growing up years participating in the Butte / Lawrence County Fair.
“I think the most important this is heritage and the work ethic you get to teach your kids. There’s a lot of work that goes into what these kids do.” He added, “One of the nicest things about the fair is the setting. It’s down on the river. You can bring your kids and let ‘em go on Monday and pick them up on Friday – they’ll still be there, having fun.”
Everything from a fishing derby to pig wrestling to ranch rodeo and a youth rodeo, the Butte / Lawrence County Fair offers something for everyone, says Mackaben.
“Over the years, we’ve added a fishing tournament, pig wrestling, a free barbeque, bouncy houses for the little kids, all kinds of events for kids who aren’t in 4-H to make sure they want to come back.”
Mackaben credits a long roster of volunteers and sponsors who are an important part in keeping the fair going.
“There are 10 of us on the board,” he shared. “And there is an army of people who come and help. Butte and Lawrence County is number one in the state for registered leaders so that tells you how many parents we have who step up and help just to get the fair done.”
Admission is free to the Butte / Lawrence County Fair that runs Monday, July 28 through Saturday, Augst 2. There is musical entertainment throughout the six-day event. For a complete list of events, see the Fair Book and on Facebook
