County fair starts Thursday

Mosey on over to Hermosa this week for the 2026 Custer County Fair Aug. 6-9.
This year’s fair is dedicated to Jim and Brenda Lintz who have been staples in the Custer County community, operating a small century ranch just west of Hermosa that has been in the family for over 120 years.
Jim has been a fixture in the Hermosa volunteer fire department as an EMT, served several years in Pierre in legislature as well as being a Custer County Commissioner and on numerous boards, including the Custer County Fair Board to help promote and support the ranching cattle industry.
Both Jim and Brenda have been involved over the years in fair activities and exhibits with not only themselves, but with both of their children and grandchildren. Jim and Brenda are always willing to help when asked and are proud to have served their community for over 50 years.
The fair begins Thursday, Aug. 6, at 8 a.m. with small animal check-in, including rabbit, poultry and companion animals. Rabbit showmanship is at 10 a.m., poultry showmanship is at 10:30 a.m. and 4-H companion animal showmanship is at 11 a.m.
At 12 p.m. is the 4-H small animal round robin, followed by rabbit and poultry shows along with the 4-H interview judging of non-livestock exhibits, which will continue until 5 p.m. Open class exhibits excluding livestock and crops are from 2-6 p.m.
The free fair kick-off supper is from 5-6:30 p.m. and sponsored by Black Hills Electric Cooperative, Basin Electric Power Cooperative, Farm Credit Services, Philip Livestock Market, Belle Fourche Livestock, First Interstate Bank of New Underwood, Bishop Beef and Pop’s Grocery.
This is followed by MJ Production’s goat roping from 7-9 p.m. with registration at 6:30 p.m.
The evening concludes with a “Dance in the Dirt” to the music of Tristen Schofield beginning at 9 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 7, begins with a ranch horse show and sheep and goat showing check-in from 8-9 a.m. The ranch horse show is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., sheep showmanship begins at 10 a.m. and goal showmanship starts at 11 a.m. Judging begins in the Fine Arts and Horticulture buildings at 11:30 a.m.
The baked goods sale begins at 4 p.m. in the Fine Arts building.
Another free meal is planned from 5-6:30 p.m., and this barbecue appreciation dinner is sponsored by Custer State Park and First Interstate Bank of Custer.
The Blazin’ Barnyard Barbecue Pitmaster Division check-in begins at 5 p.m. as well.
Hold onto your hats for the Grittin’ All-in Ranch Rodeo and Ranch Bronc Riding, once again set to take place at 7 p.m. It will be preceded by a calcutta at 6 p.m.
From 9 p.m. to midnight that night, there will be another dance with music by the Midnight Sun Band.
Saturday, Aug. 8, begins at 8 a.m. with swine and dairy and beef cattle registration and the Blazin’ Barnyard Barbecue Patio Hero Division check-in.
The Hermosa Roping Club Team Roping registration begins at 9 a.m., as does Good Old Driving Days registration. The Good Old Driving Days grand entry is at 10 a.m., as is the beginning of the team roping and the Pee Wee Stock Show.
The Blazin’ Barnyard Barbecue Kids Competition check-in is at 9:30 a.m.
At 10:30 is the beef show, starting with showmanship and followed by 4-H large animal round robin showmanship.
Live music from Colter Gerard and Jayda Reinert can be enjoyed at the beer garden from 4-6 p.m.
The annual Hermosa American Legion Beers and Ears will take place 4-7 p.m. at the post home and will feature all you can eat ears of corn.
The Blazin’ Barnyard Barbecue competition gates will open to the public at 5 p.m.
At 7 p.m. will be the Trio & Deal Cowboy/Cowgirl Triathlon. This will be preceded by a calcutta at 6 p.m.
The fair will keep things kicking Saturday night with a Dance in the Dirt featuring the Carson Brown Band from 9 p.m. to midnight.
The fair rolls into Sunday with a plant swap check-in from 8-9 a.m. and a pancake breakfast sponsored by Crawford Livestock Market, CBH Co-op, Black Hills Meat, Hermosa Roping Club, Flying V Ranch, Murphy Ranch and Nelson’s Oil & Gas from 8-10 a.m.
At 9:30 a.m. is a Custer County church service at the fairgrounds, featuring music by Casey Trandem and a message by Josephine Weekley, pastor of Fairburn Church.
At 11 a.m., the annual parade will go through Hermosa. Parade lineup is at 10 a.m., and judging is at 10:30 a.m. Award presentations of overall trophies, youth all-around and the Connie Steen Memorial Stewardship will start at 12 p.m.
Noon is the start time for the annual car show featuring antique cars, hot rods, pickups, classics and sports cars. 
At 1 p.m., the Ice Cream Crank-off will take place. The ice cream from the crank-off can be created by hand or electric freezers, and prizes are awarded for first, second and third place. The public can taste the ice cream at 2 p.m.
Also at 1 p.m. is the annual Play Day Horse/Livestock events. Play Day is for children up to age 18 and features a variety of events such as barrel racing, poles, chute dogging and calf roping.
Events wind down after that with the picking up of entries and premiums from 12-2 p.m.
Commercial vendors open at 2 p.m. Thursday, 9 a.m. Friday and Saturday and 8 a.m. Sunday. Mason concessions are open daily at 8 a.m. Food trucks are open Friday-Sunday at 11 a.m.
All start times are approximate. For more information, visit custercountyfairsd.com or like Custer County Fair on Facebook at facebook.com/CusterCountyFair.