Rivers Edge Bank Wins NOBLE Prize for Ag Education Partnership at Turner County Fair
August 13, 2025
Rivers Edge Bank is proud to announce it has been named the South Dakota recipient of the NOBLE Prize at the 2025 Quad States Convention, hosted by the South Dakota Bankers Association (SDBA) in Rapid City this June. The award celebrates innovative community banking projects that make a lasting impact, and we are honored to be recognized for our support of agriculture education right here in Turner County.
Transforming a Petting Zoo into a Hands-On Ag Education Hub
In 2023, the Turner County Fair Board saw an opportunity to give its longtime petting zoo building a new life and a bigger purpose—creating a space to highlight and celebrate the county’s #1 industry: agriculture.
That vision became reality through a partnership with Rivers Edge Bank, resulting in the Rivers Edge Bank Ag Education Center. We helped by providing funds for building improvements, new exhibits, and interactive programming to give fairgoers of all ages a deeper understanding of local agriculture.
“Partnering with the Turner County Fair on this project has been incredibly rewarding,” said Cameron Becker, President of Rivers Edge Bank. “Showcasing agriculture and introducing it to people who may not have grown up around it helps preserve and share a way of life that is central to Turner County.”
A Growing Attraction at the Heart of the Fairgrounds
Over the past two fairs, the Ag Education Center has expanded far beyond its original petting zoo format. Today, it features:
- Interactive animal displays of common local farm animals
- Live demonstrations and exhibits from state agriculture associations
- A popular baby goat playground
- A fair-wide scavenger hunt for youth to learn about agriculture across the fairgrounds
This transformation has turned the building into a vibrant hub for hands-on learning—helping kids and families see firsthand how agriculture shapes our local economy and way of life.
Community Banking in Action
The NOBLE Prize recognizes banks that go beyond traditional financial services to meet community needs in a unique or engaging way. Rivers Edge Bank is proud to exemplify how community banks and locally owned-and-operated businesses play a critical role in supporting local projects, fostering economic growth, and preserving our rural heritage.
“Receiving this award from the SDBA is truly an honor,” said Derek Nolan, Vice President – Marketing at Rivers Edge Bank and Turner County Fair Board Member. “But this was certainly a team effort. Huge thanks go to Dana Matthies for spearheading this endeavor, to Michelle Kraemer for continuing its momentum, and the entire Fair Board for their dedication to making the Ag Education Center part of the heartbeat of the fairgrounds.”
“We’re grateful to the South Dakota Bankers Association and the independent judges for recognizing this project—and to the Turner County Fair Board for allowing us the opportunity to partner with them in bringing this vision to life,” said President Becker.
See It for Yourself
The Rivers Edge Bank Ag Education Center is open during the Turner County Fair from 9 am - 9 pm. We invite you to stop by, explore the exhibits, and see firsthand why community banking is about more than money—it’s about building stronger communities together.