Staff reports
BROOKINGS — The 98th annual South Dakota FFA Convention kicked off April 20 in Brookings, drawing thousands of people into the city and onto the campus of South Dakota State University for three days of activities, including awards, that will continue through April 22.
Activities on April 21 drew the attention of 2,436 students along with teachers and assistants, making for a grand total of 2,600 people at the First Bank & Trust Arena at SDSU. It’s expected that around 300 students will receive the South Dakota state degree through the FFA program.
The students, teachers and assistants hail from more than 100 school districts — 113, to be specific — around the state, including Lemmon, Edgemont, Deuel and many more. Their presence, made notable not only by their sheer numbers but also their ubiquitous blue uniforms, has also been a boon for local businesses, especially restaurants.
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