HURON, S.D.(KOKK)- The opening day of the 2021 South Dakota State Fair included the ground breaking for the Dakota Events Complex.  The DEX will replace the beef complex that was destroyed by fire on October 31 of 2020.  Original ambitious plans targeted the new complex to be ready for the 2022 state fair.  Hunter Roberts, South Dakota secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources said the delay is due to something we are all familiar with.

The delay will cause additional challenges without the beef complex as well at the sheep barn which will be torn down before next years fair.

Roberts said they have had some interest in material reuse of the sheep barn structure.

The DEX will take over space that includes where the sheep barn is and the new complex includes space for sheep.  Roberts said some of the old barn materials may be used inside the DEX.

The construction management firm Henry Carlson construction from Sioux Falls and designer Civarella from Mitchell are working on plans for the DEX which is planned to be ready for the 2023 South Dakota State Fair.