Miss South Dakota State Fair

Reigning Miss South Dakota State Fair Emily Deinken

A Galaga pro, Seinfeld super-fan, and former professional crossing guard, Emily Deinken is your Miss State Fair 2024! When she’s not rewatching Seinfeld or trying to beat her Galaga high score, you can find her teaching 5-8th grade band in Sioux Falls and coaching the middle school dance team. In addition to teaching band, she plays flute in the USF and Augustana Community Bands and enjoys “Flute Caroling” at local nursing homes. And, as a former 4H kid, Emily can’t wait to re-experience all of the pure joy and excitement of the State Fair!

Emily started competing in the Miss South Dakota Organization to share her passion for her initiative: Advocate for Educators. Focused on recruiting, retaining, and supporting the needs of educators across the state, Emily seeks to promote a positive change in education and establish a brighter future for our teachers, students, and communities. With the future of tomorrow in our classrooms today, investing in our educators is a necessity we cannot afford to overlook, and Emily is working to spread that message nationwide.

“From celebrating agriculture and the arts to music and food, I believe the state fair truly has something for everyone, and I am honored to be a part of this historic tradition. Can’t wait to see you there!”
For more, check out Emily on Instagram @missstatefairsd

Reigning Miss South Dakota State Fair Outstanding Teen Modesty Heath

Hi, my name is Modesty Heath, and I am your new Miss State Fair's Teen 2024. I'm a Huron native and my Community Service Initiative for this year is "Brain Aneurysm Awareness", a topic I use to help honor my late grandmother's legacy. This is my first year as a title holder and I'm super excited to represent my community this coming year. 

Interested in competing in the Miss South Dakota State Fair Scholarship Competition?