Sioux Empire Fair Arts Center

05/10/2026

The Arts Center loves its moms and wants to celebrate their awesomeness. Help us show appreciation to the mothers in our area by giving them a hug, smile or a great big "Thank You!"

May today be a special day for all of you!

05/10/2026

How wonderful!!! This is a lovely craft that everyone could benefit from any time of the year. Bringing smiles to people's faces is so worth it.
And once you gain this new skill from Sonja, you could showcase your work at the Sioux Empire Fair Arts Center for your chance to win a Oakridge Nursery & Landscaping Gift Card. See details on page 31 of our Premium Book: https://cdn.saffire.com/files.ashx?t=fg&rid=SiouxEmpireFair&f=2026_Premium_Book_5.7.26-c.pdf&cb=3C9CD273
Thank you, Sonja, for sharing your experience and floral knowledge!

Ever wondered how to make those grocery store bouquets look like professional centerpieces? Join us for this month's Member Lab featuring our very own member, Sonja Sletto!

Member Lab is a series where Active Generations members share their unique skills, stories, and journeys with the community. This month, Sonja is teaching us the art of Do It Yourself Floral Arrangements.

This is a free session with Sonja 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Wednesday, May 13 at East Campus. See you there!

05/07/2026

Finally, we've been able to update the Arts Center's Photo Board requirements to 11"x14" to make it more convenient for the exhibitors.

This size can generally be found in stores and online, so the price options can really open up.

Please make note that this means that Photo Boards will no longer be sold at the Sioux Empire Fair/W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds Office.

Be sure to check out our newly updated Premium Book at: https://cdn.saffire.com/files.ashx?t=fg&rid=SiouxEmpireFair&f=2026_Premium_Book_5.7.26-c.pdf&cb=3C9CD273
Photography Classes are on pages 17 & 40.

And view the rest of our webpage at: www.siouxempirefair.com/p/siouxempirefair/arts-center

We look forward to seeing all your picturesque exhibits on July 29th, 2026.

05/01/2026

LET THE FAIR SEASON BEGIN FOR THE ARTS CENTER!

The Premium Book is ready and waiting for your perusal. Take a pen or highlighter and mark all the exhibits you want to submit this year. We are excited to see what you bring us!

Webpage link: www.siouxempirefair.com/p/siouxempirefair/arts-center
Direct Premium Book link: cdn.saffire.com/files.ashx?t=fg&rid=SiouxEmpireFair&f=2026_Premium_Book_4.30.26-c.pdf&cb=3C9CD273

03/20/2026

It's Spring already! And before you know it, it will be Summer.

And Summer is the final run into the Sioux Empire Fair/W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds (July 31st - August 8th, 2026).

So, now's the time to plant those flowers and produce, start those craft, art, fiber, and sewing projects, snap those pictures, collect those antiques, and prep those recipes and canned goods.

This year we will be celebrating America's 250th Anniversary, and we want your help to make it the biggest fair yet. Bring us your talented work and let us showcase it for all to see and marvel over.

Submission Day is July 29th, 2026! Follow us and watch for the Premium Book drop in May.

See you all soon!

03/17/2026

May the luck of the Irish be with you today and always!

Speaking of luck, be sure to swing by the Arts Center at the Sioux Empire Fair/W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds this year and try your hand at our fun guessing games. While you're there, check out all the amazing exhibits, contests and events.

The Arts Center Premium Book is only about 6 weeks away from going live. Follow us here on Facebook to get the book drop announcement.

We look forward to seeing you and your exhibits on July 29th, 2026.

02/24/2026

Sweeter Images contacted us to renew their sponsorship of the Sweeter Images Photography Contest. YAY!!

As this is the country's 250th Birthday, the theme for this year's contest will be American Patriotism. The winner will receive a $25 CASH prize and bragging rights.

All contest photos will need to be submitted through the Open Class submission process under LOT 530. For more information about how to submit your photo/s, see the Arts Center's Premium Book, coming out in May.

We look forward to seeing how you capture American Patriotism.

02/16/2026

Do you (or someone you know) enjoy the fair and want to be an important and creative part of it? If yes, this position could be the perfect fit.

We’re seeking a dedicated Arts Center Coordinator who values the fair’s role as a true community benefit — and is excited by the opportunity to help shape and influence the vision and experience of the Arts Center.

This is a project-based position with flexible scheduling throughout the season, building toward an exciting and intensive fair week that requires focused, hands-on commitment. Responsibilities include physical setup, computer and recordkeeping work, organization, problem-solving, and positive public interaction.

Strong communication skills, integrity, and genuine enthusiasm are essential.

Serious inquiries only.

All job and responsibility questions should be directed to the Arts Center at [email protected]

We look forward to meeting the next coordinator. Is that you?

02/14/2026

Today is a day of "LOVE"

And we here at the Arts Center of the Sioux Empire Fair/W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds LOOOVE seeing you and your exhibits at the fair.

So, check back in with us on our webpage in May to get the 2026 Premium Book and see all the contests and events lined up for the year.

Until then, keep working on your exhibits, and we'll see you this summer.

12/25/2025

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all the wonderful exhibitors and fairgoers!

We are so incredibly blessed to see and work with you each year, and we are excited for the 87th Annual Sioux Empire Fair/W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds, where we will be celebrating our country's 250th birthday. Look for Patriotic themed lots this year.

Have a terrific and safe holiday and we will see you before you know it.
(July 31st - August 8th)