NISLAND—Kids, families, animals, exhibits, activities and events created hustle and bustle at the Nisland Fairgrounds July 27 through August 1 for the 45th Annual Butte Lawrence County Fair. The two counties joined forces back in 1979 and held their first joint county fair in 1980.
The theme for this year’s fair was “Country Roots and Cowboy Boots” with the colors of brown, red and blue.
The County Fair offers something for everyone. From open classes to 4-H classes in most any livestock animal you can imagine and most non-livestock categories you can think of, including food preservation, horticulture, food, photography, arts and crafts, sewing and so much more!
This year’s 2026 Butte Lawrence County Fair Honoree was Ron Miles of Belle Fourche. He has volunteered at the Fair for many years.
People travel from all over the area to take part in the Butte Lawrence County Fair events. There is a wide range of activities and events that appeal to youth and the general public.
Highlights include Turtle Races, Chuck-a-Duck and Fishing at the Fair, a contest to see who can catch the most fish, the smallest fish and the biggest fish. All fishing supplies are provided to those who want to participate.
On Wednesday night, AAU Wrestling held a Pancake Feed during the Swine Show followed by Pig Wrestling. Twelve teams of four in each age group signed up to enter a muddy pen and attempt to coerce a wild pig into a container in any way possible, as fast as possible. Age divisions were 8-10, 11-13, 14-18 and 18 and over—only four adult teams were allowed. All teams were auctioned off to the highest bidder before the start of the contest. The teams come decked out in matching creative costumes for a chance to win a best-dressed award in their division.
On Thursday, a full list of activities was scheduled for the day topped off with a free community BBQ sponsored by Butte Electric and West River Telephone Company followed by the Nisland Fair Ranch Rodeo.
At the Ranch Rodeo, 12 teams of four compete in a variety of events. The makeup of the teams is unique. Each team must contain at least two of the following: a youth under age 13, a senior over the age of 55 or a female. They competed in nontraditional rodeo events that included Boot Race, Horse Catch, Mystery Race, Steer Ribbon Roping and Relay Race.
Another fun event held on the same night is the Catch A Sheep contest. This event features kids from ages 8 to 12 who want to try for a chance to get a free sheep to raise and then they must show it at the fair for the upcoming two years.
Wild sheep are turned out into a pen, and kids must figure out a way to catch one, halter it and lead it to a catch pen. The kids work so hard trying to get wild sheep to lead. Some lambs pull loose and run off, while others fall to the ground and refuse to move. After several heats, the winners get to take home a sheep to take care of and prepare for the next Fair.
Friday ended a full slate of activities with the Livestock Sale Buyer Appreciation Supper sponsored by Cenex of the Black Hills followed by the Livestock Sale. Each 4-H member is allowed to sell one animal as long as the exhibitor competed in showmanship and the animal was shown in the class. There was a wide variety of livestock sold, for example, the Champion market hog, reserve champion market beef, khaki Campbell Drake Duck, mini Rex, Rhode Island Red Pullet, purple ribbon market ewe and a blue ribbon Sussex Cockerel all went through the sale ring.
It takes many volunteers to organize and run the fair and all of the activities that go along with it. Local vendors were on site with food trucks and booths for shoppers.
On Saturday, another Butte Lawrence County Fair came to an end and the Pavilion closed its doors for another year. We will see everyone back at the same time next year for the 46th Annual County Fair.
See more pictures and read the full issue of the Belle Fourche Beacon by clicking here.
