The South Dakota State Fair officially begins next Thursday, September 1st and continues through Labor Day, Monday, September 5th.  However, according to Candi Briley, the assistant manager of the South Dakota State Fair, some of the open class judging contests will occur prior to the official start of the fair.  Briley says the state fair will offer several attractions that will capture the interests of fair attendees.  Fair attendees are encouraged to wear red on Friday, September 2nd to show support for our military.  What’s a state fair without mentioning all the wonderful and tasty foods?  Briley says several new foods are being introduced at this year’s South Dakota State Fair.  A schedule of the fair’s events can be found online at sdstatefair.com