Earlier this week, a representative of a new online magazine, thepostsd.com, solicited via twitter a call for anybody who had never attended the South Dakota State Fair. As I fit that category, I immediately responded, and I answered a few questions via email.

The resulting article hit the web yesterday, as the magazine officially launched. Editor-in-chief Heather Mangan did a fine job on the piece, interspersing my (predictably) pessimistic comments with those who believe the state fair is a vital event for our state.

Having nothing against the Fair, my point was mainly that there’s no real desire on my part to drive 2 ½ hours when we have a local fair that is at least as good, if not better. Even those that don’t live in the area are more attracted to the Sioux Empire Fair just because it is an excuse to come to the “big city”.

Yet there is one quote in the article that really stands out as a perfect example of the type of attitude that we routinely see in this area from elected officials and other community leaders. “Any ordinary South Dakotan that is doing their part to live in their community and contribute to their community should go to the fair,” S.D. Rep. Jason Frerichs said.

Really? It’s our duty to attend the State Fair? No sir, it’s the State Fair’s duty to give people a reason to attend. It’s our duty to demand that organizations and functions don’t sit on their laurels, and continue to look for ways to improve. This crazy “you should support us because we exist” attitude has long been a hindrance to innovation.

Without people demanding accountability, those in charge tend to get complacent. A perfect example happened to me twenty years ago. A good friend of mine had the opportunity to book the Replacements in our fine city. When we contacted the only facility that could hold such a show, the Sioux Falls Coliseum, we were initially denied because it would be “too much work”. The Arena in the early 80’s had a similar situation, and many would argue that’s the biggest problem with the Washington Pavilion these days.

The bottom line is I’ll make my decision on attending any event based on whether I perceive it’s worthiness. Ok, I'm not an easy sell, but the pressure is on planners and organizers of any event to create an environment that draws people on its own merits, not because it’s expected.

Comments

Anonymous said…
State Fair >>>> Sioux Empire Fair

They don't need sioux falls people to go. Urine's centrally located & has plenty of people to go to their fair.

~phenobarbara
Anonymous said…
I feel sorry for the rural adults and children that count on the State Fair and Sioux Empire Fair to provide the time-honored venue to show the fruits of their labor. These are the people that put food on our tables and deserve our support. And the money that was stolen from the average people that count on the Sioux Empire Fair was a sad story this year. The state legislator with high hopes had a good point. I know what his point was reading between the lines.

Kurt
Anonymous said…
Love the article in the Argus on Sept 9th about Steve Hildebrande (whatever). He decided that Blue Dog Dems are jackass liars that promise all things to all people when they’re being obstructionists blocking the Party agenda at health care reform and other initiatives. And here you thought Steve O was me. It didn’t take me years to figure out that Congressweasel Stephanie Herseth-Opportunist and her friends created their own self serving party. Steve is still trying to get his $500 back for the gay-lesbo party he threw for Stephie. Good luck schmuck.
Kurt
Anonymous said…
Tesla at the Pav in Oct. I'm as giddy as a school girl.
Anonymous said…
"What Should Augie Do With KAUR?" What a one sided little poll you ran, Mr. Hudson. My choice wasn't even one of the options. No surprise there since the majority of Augie students never got a choice either. Scott's personal playground. Must have been nice. My choice is to convert KAUR into a mainstream hard rock station, and blow away all the other "rock stations" in the Sioux area. Sorry... all the other stations in the State of "Keloland". Then I would take all the money made in advertising and increase free advertising for Augie. And we would rename the school Sanford University. Got a catchy ring to it, doesn't it.
Anonymous said…
What...no rant about the reopening of the Orpheum Theater? Now there's a tax and spend scandle. And wasn't the Coliseum saved by the taxpayers 10 years ago, with the pre-vote promise that it be used by citizens as a replacement night club for the Pomp Room? I remember that the guy presenting the argument to the public got credit for saving the building then, but now the jackass Commissioner Tweed claims she saved it because she likes to restore old buildings. She voted to demolish it.

Kurt
Anonymous said…
Bet you got wood when you read the Sept. 24 Argus Headlines. "Events Center Profits Unlikely". And you said there's no justice in the world. But the consultant's report did state, "...though it
(12,000 seat center) would be the right size for concerts". Bet you coughed up a hair ball reading that statement. And yet the city schmucks continue to force the issue down everyone's throats.
Here's a funny headline. "Why Can't Glenn Beck tell the truth.." Leonard Pitts wants to know.
Kurt
Anonymous said…
I will never waste my time going to the State Fair, I would much rather go to the Spencer Fair or the Minnesota State Fair. As far as I am concerned, the Sioux Empire fair is a waste of time as well, there is a reason people are heading over to Parker to the Turner Co. Fair
Anonymous said…
Hayseed town? It's not that bad, and the Twin Cities are close. Tesla next weekend, and I'll enjoy my tickets for that.
Kurt

Popular Posts