It’s often said that South Dakota is one big family, and the state fair is a humdinger of a reunion. There’s food for every taste, but the most popular booths are run by the state beef association and the state pork producers. Pork farmers serve more than 2,000 sandwiches on a good fair day. De Smet Farm Mutual staffers pass out free yardsticks. Mogen’s Heroes, Sherwin Linton and other longtime favorite musicians perform on the free Freedom Stage. Young 4-Hers bathe and comb their calves so they shine for the judges. Dairy students from SDSU sample new ice cream varieties. That’s a few of the hundreds of quaint traditions adored by fairgoers.