HISTORY
100+ YEARS OF FAMILY FUN
GRANDSTAND ENTERTAINMENT TAKES ROOT
In 1986, the “Booster Button” concept was introduced. This concept provides quality well-known grandstand entertainment for the week at one price. The revenue from the sale of buttons enabled the Fair Board to improve the buildings and grounds, offer free stage entertainment, more exhibits, shows and displays creating a fair that indeed has something for everyone. Grandstand revenue also allows for no gate fee so the fair is available to everyone, every day.
GRANDSTAND HISTORY SINCE 1986
2024
Ned LeDoux, Sawyer Brown, Gabby Barrett, Tigirlily Gold, LIT, Smash Mouth, Sugar Ray, Matt Stell, Russell Dickerson
2023
Roots & Boots, Ingrid Andress, Mitchell Tenpenny, Hinder, Lil Jon, Blanco Brown, Gary LeVoux
2022
Randy Rogers Band, Wade Bowen, Craig Morgan, Danielle Bradbery, Callista Clark, Seether, Saliva, Emissary Echo, Scotty McCreery, Parmalee, Larry Fleet
2021
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Sara Evans, Eli Young Band, Randy Houser, Daughtry, Black Stone Cherry, Nelly, Michael Ray, Jo Dee Messina
2020
The Brown County Fair was postponed due to COVID-19.
2019
Triple Threat Tour: Black Hawk, Restless Heart & Shenandoah, Dylan Scott, Jordan Davis, 3 Doors Down, Red Sun Rising, Big & Rich, Cassadee Pope
2018
Granger Smith, Casey Donahew, Chase Rice, Chris Lane, Skillet, Pop Evil, Brothers Osborne, John King
2017
For King and Country, Zach Williams, Old Dominion, Brandon Lay, Trace Adkins, Lauren Alaina, The Band Perry, LOCASH
2016
MercyMe, Sidewalk Prophets, Dustin Lynch, Chris Janson, Montgomery Gentry, Canaan Smith, Jake Owen, Avenger Joe
2015
Newsboys, Ryan Stevenson, Martina McBride, Dan + Shay, Brett Eldredge, Gary Allan, Randy Houser
2014
Kip Moore, Cassadee Pope, Chris Young, Courtney Cole, Willie Nelson
2013
Justin Moore, John Michael Montgomery, Brantley Gilbert, Chancey Williams & The Younger Brothers Band, Gretchen Wilson, Katie Armiger
2012
Travis Tritt, Hunter Hayes, Jerrod Niemann, David Nail, Dierks Bentley, Dustin Evans & the Good Times Band
2011
LeAnn Rimes, John Anderson, The Band Perry, Frankie Ballard, Josh Turner, The Bellamy Brothers
2010
Clay Walker, Joe Diffie, Jake Owen, Love & Theft, Kenny Rogers, Joey + Rory
2009
Luke Bryan, Heidi Newfield, Blake Shelton, Herb Dixon, Rodney Atkins, Gloriana
2008
Kellie Pickler, Ashton Shepherd, Miranda Lambert, Mark Chesnutt, Ronnie Milsap, Hailey Steele
2007
Taylor Swift, Craig Morgan, Triple Threat, Blackhawk, Little Texas & Restless Heart, Lonestar, Taryn Kranhold
2006
Neal McCoy, Jo Dee Messina, Keith Anderson, Josh Gracin
2005
Dierks Bentley, Lauren Lucas, Oak Ridge Boys, Trace Adkins, Dustin Evans and the Goodtimes
2004
Chris Cagle, Valerie Smith & Liberty Pike, Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, Diamond Rio
2003
Gary Allan, Kelly Coffey, Pat Benatar & Neil Geraldo, Sawyer Brown
2002
Lifehouse, Charlie Daniels, Phil Vassar, Carolyn Dawn Johnson
2001
Blessid Union of Souls, EVE 6, Yankee Grey, Terri Clark, Creedence Clearwater Revisited
2000
Chely Wright, Ty Herndon, 38 Special, Glenn Campbell
1999
Toby Keith, Sammy Kershaw, Lee Ann Womack, Mustang Sally, Montgomery Gentry, The Coats
1998
Tracy Byrd, Bill Engvall, The Lynns, Little River Band, Kenny Chesney, BR 549
1997
Rhett Akins, Martina McBride, Williams & Ree, Joe Diffie
1996
Chris LeDoux, John Berry, The Trench Coats, Lonestar, Williams & Ree, JoDee Messina, Ricochet
1995
Patty Loveless, Guess Who, Blackhawk, Neal McCoy
1994
Little Texas, Diamond Rio, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Velvet Touch, Michelle Wright
1993
Billy Dean, Confederate Railroad, Ronna Reeves, Mark Chestnut, Restless Heart
1992
Brooks & Dunn, Diamond Rio, Lee Greenwood, Suzy Bogguss, Pam Tillis, Pirates of the Mississippi
1991
The Statler Brothers, Paul Revere & the Raiders, Baillie & the Boys, Joe Diffie, Restless Heart
1990
Lorrie Morgan, The Oak Ridge Boys, The Bellamy Brothers, Highway 101
1989
The Escape Club, Charley Pride, Sawyer Brown, Skip Ewing, Lacy J. Dalton
1988
Three Dog Night, Tanya Tucker, Sweethearts of the Rodeo, Highway 101, Larry Gatlin & the Gatlin Brothers
1987
Marie Osmond, Dan Seals, Sha Na Na , Gary Puckett
1986
Exile, Lee Greenwood, Herman’s Hermits, Gary Puckett & the Union Gap, The Grass Roots, The Monkees
UPCOMING EVENTS
Foundation 5K Run/Walk/Bike: Saturday, August 16, 2025
Registration: 7:30 a.m.
Race Start: 8:30 a.m.
Brown County Fairgrounds- NW of Competitive Exhibits Building
Sponsored by: SD Army National Guard and Kippley Group
Third Annual Hall of Fame Event: March 29, 2025
A buffet dinner, program, silent auction, and good times are planned to recognize the courage, ingenuity, and progressive thinking of fair board comrades. Check back for more details. Tickets can be purchased from a BCF Foundation member or at the Fair Office at 400 24th Ave. NW in Aberdeen. For more information call 605-626-7116.
2025 Hall of Fame Members: Joe Akkerman, Fae Dayton, Curt Erickson, Roger Huettl, Gayle Miller, Jerry Mills, Bob Retzer, Lyle Schaunaman, Stu Swenson, and Ken’s SuperFair Foods
2024 Hall of Fame Members: Bonne Schile, George Casanova, Duane Jark, Louie Koch, Gary Meyer, Harold Pleinis, and Hitch’N Post
View the 2024 Hall of Fame Member Bios
2023 Hall of Fame Members: from the 1986 BCF Board and include: Jim Bain, Stan Beckler, Joyce Dahme, Karl Eichler, Shirley Ellwein, Ron Gage, Larry Gerlach, Bob Gruman, Nancy Hansen, Derald Holt, Connie Howard, Marty Huettl, George Kessler, Gerald Lehman, Gayle Osman, Lyle Podoll, Al Ringgenberg, Earl & Twila Ruden, Jerry Schley, June Schliebe, Gary Sharp, Dewayne Storley, Verland Losinger, Karen Lamport, and Don Gannon and Trudy Schaunaman.
CAPITAL CAMPAIGN FOR NEW GRANDSTAND RESTROOMS
We have kicked off our second capital campaign (check out our complete project below!) and for anyone who has waited in line to use the restroom during big grandstand events, you get it. Our goal is completion by Summer of 2025 and it will double the stall count for the ladies. Guys, you know you’re much faster and this will make EVERYONE happier.
Imagine if everyone waiting in line at the BCF donated just $10, we can make this a reality. Of course, we encourage you to make an even bigger donation:
- Blue Ribbon – $25,000 or more
- Red Ribbon – $10,000 – $24,999
- White Ribbon – $5,000 – $9,999
Any Blue, Red or White Level Sponsors will be listed on recognition signage when the project is complete. All donation amounts are welcome for this important project.
ONGOING SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Booster Benches
$250
Put your name or honor a loved one with an engraved plate on a bench that will be widely used during the BCF and other fairground events.
Picnic Tables
$450
So much fair food, so little time and so little space to eat! We need more picnic tables and we need your help. The table comes adorned with a plaque and your business name or honoree.
LEGACY GIVING & ESTATE PLANNING
If you would be interested in leaving a lasting legacy for the betterment of the fairgrounds for years to come, please consult with your tax preparer on estate planning options.
Legal Name: Brown County Fair Foundation, Inc
Location: 400 24th Ave NW, Aberdeen, SD 57401
Tax ID: 87-4566246
ABOUT US
Home of the Brown County Fair, Centennial Village, Brown County Speedway, Larry Gerlach Grandstand, Odde Ice Arena, Go-Kart and RC Car tracks, Akkerman Horse Arena, Holum Expo Building, and numerous barns, campgrounds, and structures, the fairgrounds host literally hundreds of thousands of campers, fairgoers, and recreational enthusiasts every year.
While county tax dollars serve well to fund annual expenses, such as utilities, insurance, payroll, and some maintenance, additional funds are necessary for the capital improvements required to preserve the fairgrounds as a premier destination for the great variety of events hosted. Whether a large contribution or a few dollars, the BCF Foundation works closely with the Brown County Fair Board and Brown County Commission to coordinate efforts and maximize the impact of each donated dollar. Thank you for your consideration in joining our efforts!
The Brown County Fair Foundation accepts donations of any amount for the purpose of grounds improvement. If you have specific projects for which you would like to see your funds designated, please contact the fair office at (605) 626-7116 or bcfairfoundation@gmail.com.
COMPLETED PROJECT: KIDS ZONE PLAYGROUND
As our first capital campaign initiative a new, commercial playset has been installed to serve as the focal point of the popular Brown County Fair Kids Zone. It also provides entertainment for campers and other event attendees year-round. Thank you to our generous sponsors who made it happen!
an ETIX company.