When Little I began in 1921 it was strictly a livestock exhibition. It was patterned after the Chicago International Livestock Exhibition. The purpose of the South Dakota State College Little I was to offer students experience with fitting, training and showing livestock. In the following years more exhibits, booths and categories of competition were added, such as horticulture, fruit, meat, dairy and in 1949 the home economics. In this photograph, food is being served during Little I in the meats lab in the lower level of the Livestock Pavilion.
This year Little International is celebrating its 100th exposition. On March 27, 2023, the South Dakota Agricultural Heritage Museum is opening an exhibit celebrating Little International through the years. Visit the Museum and learn about all the fun and excitement of Little I! The Museum is open Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
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