HURON — One of the best things of the S.D. State Fair is the huge amount of free entertainment that takes place continually during the run of the fair. The Northwestern Energy Freedom Stage is center stage - literally and figuratively - for free entertainment during the fair.

The Northwestern Energy Freedom Stage is smack dab in the middle of the S.D. State Fairgrounds, on the South End of Recreation Avenue, and adjacent to Horizons Hall and the Expo building.

Here is a list of some of the things on tap for this year.

Wednesday, Aug. 28
• Phil Baker — This Award-winning children’s performer gets kids up and moving with songs like “The Conga,” “Do the Swim,” “Hoedown,” and more. Performances at noon and 4 p.m.
• Poppa Bear Norton — Hailing from the Land of 10,000 Lakes, Poppa Bear Norton perform their own brand of country and western music that harkens back to the days of Buck Owens and Johnny Cash, as well as the outlaw era of Waylon, Willie, and Haggard. When “Poppa Bear” (aka The Singer) and “B” (aka The Slinger) hit the stage and fire up their one-part honky-tonk, one-part Hee-Haw styled country show, it’s fast, exciting, fun, and entertaining. Performances at 2 and 6 p.m.

Thursday, Aug. 29
• Sheltered Reality — Sheltered Reality uses drums, music and fun choreography to help audiences realize that each person is unique, has special talents, and is deserving of kindness and support. While they demonstrate the Steps of Success, audience members have a chance to succeed through participating in a drum lesson and performing with the group. Performances Thursday and Friday at Noon and 4:30 p.m.

• Cow Pop — Steve Linder and Bruce Brock have not only made their mark in Nashville, but their productions have appeared at well over 40 state and county fairs throughout the U.S. and Canada, including 27 years at the State Fair of Texas. This award-winning duo’s latest project is titled “COW-POP.” Performances at 2 and 7 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 30
• After a few years on his own, Weston Frank was encouraged by many fans and venue owners to bring back the band, for bigger events. Comprised of long time friends, band mates from pervious projects, and even a few members from “rival” groups, Frank has hand-picked the band that is not only the best country group in the area, but also the most fun. Performances at 2 and 7 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 31
• S.D. Best Bagger Competition — 11:30 a.m., $500 goes to the best grocery bagger in South Dakota
S.D. Farmer’s Union Events
• 12:45 p.m. — A Make-A-Wish donation presentation
1 p.m. PUC Candidates — Take a few minutes to get to know the three candidates running for a seat on the S.D. Public Utilities Commission — incumbent Kristie Fiegen (R), Forrest Wilson (D) and A. Gideon Oakes (Lib).

• 2 p.m. — FFA Farm Safety Quiz Bowl

Sunday, Sept 1
• 9 a.m. - Catholic Mass
• Dreamweaver Comedy Hypnosis Show — Dream Weaver comedy hypnotist Randy Buker has entertained many thousands of people over the past 15 years with his sense of humor and hypnosis skills. His shows are clean and age appropriate. No one ever leaves his stage feeling embarrassed. People who volunteer to be on his stage have the time of their lives as they realize what special traits dwell in their subconscious minds. Performances 12:30 and 5 p.m.

Monday, Sept. 2
• Guilty Pleasures Orchestra — For the past 10 years, Guilty Pleasures has exhilarated audiences throughout South Dakota, Iowa, and Minnesota with the memorable rock and pop sounds of the 1970s and ‘80s. All five band members are in the South Dakota Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame. Guilty Pleasures is the ultimate tribute to the great music of the ’70s and ’80s recreated just like your albums, brought to you live. Performances 1:30 and 4 p.m.