City: Rapid City, SD

Category: Annual Events & Festivals

Telephone: (605) 355-3861

Address: Central States Fairgrounds

Description: This is a traditional fair with those familiar events that make country fairs so much fun. You can browse 4-H and agricultural exhibits, sit in on classes and demonstrations on cooking and crafts, walk through the livestock barns, pet an exotic critter at the petting zoo, ride the carnival rides, catch a horse show or parade, and stuff yourself with cotton candy and caramel apples. Or sit back in the grandstand and be entertained by famous musical talent (past performers include the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Creedence Clearwater Revival). If you’d rather sit on the edge of your seat, try the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association rodeo instead. So many things go on at this eight-day fair that you’ll have trouble finding time to enjoy them all, so check local newspapers and sort out each day’s events. The Central States Fair takes place in mid- to late Aug.