SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — At the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Foundation’s 13th annual Prime Time Gala on Saturday, June 20, 2026, the point of the evening was never far from view: beef, music, scholarships and fundraising all tied back to getting high-quality protein to South Dakotans who need it.

Held at the Sioux Falls Convention Center and Denny Sanford PREMIER Center complex, the Prime Time Gala again brought together cattle producers, agricultural businesses, community supporters and Feeding South Dakota for an upscale dinner, auction program and country concert. The evening opened with a prayer from Ray Larson before moving into the program, awards and live auction.

“Success boils down to one thing, and that’s to all of you who are with us tonight,” foundation leadership told the crowd, framing the event as a collective effort by ranchers, cattle feeders, donors, volunteers and businesses across the state.

That effort has become one of the most visible charitable partnerships in South Dakota agriculture. Through the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Foundation’s work with Feeding South Dakota, the gala has helped raise more than $3 million over its run, allowing Feeding South Dakota to purchase and distribute nearly 1.7 million pounds of beef to families facing hunger across all 66 South Dakota counties. All together, the night raised $292,620 in funds which was presented as a check to Feeding South Dakota to go towards purchasing beef to help feed South Dakotans.

Lori Dykstra, CEO of Feeding South Dakota, said in a conversation at the gala that the partnership matters because it turns dollars raised in the cattle community into the kind of high-quality beef protein food banks need but cannot always easily secure. For families facing hunger, that means more than calories. It means access to a nutritious, familiar and filling food that can anchor meals across the state.

Interviews

Lori Dykstra, CEO of Feeding South Dakota

Ryan Eichler, President of the South Dakota Cattleman’s Foundation

The silent auction tables offered a more personal look at the community behind the fundraiser. Items included Fourth of July merchandise, Mohr Honey, cow-themed girls’ clothing, throw pillows and hand towels. Donors included Hub City Livestock, Insurance Plus, Amarillo Brokerage Company, Don Abeln of Furst-McNess, BankNorth, Northern Electric Cooperative, Mary Kay consultant Suzanne Nipp, Advantage Appraisals, Lynette Fransen, Dizzy Blondz and others.

The donations gave the event a local texture: agricultural businesses, small businesses and individuals all contributing items that helped build momentum before the live auction took over later in the evening.

On the floor, conversations moved easily from charity to the realities of ranching. Matt Roger, who identified himself as being with Roger’s Farms, described an operation involving farm and ranch work, cattle and a feedlot. Roger said he had attended the gala for about three years and said he and others try not to spend too much time watching the news.

When asked about the political landscape and its effect on day-to-day operations, Roger offered a practical rancher’s answer: “If you can’t do it, you can’t do it.”

Other ranchers at the event said high beef prices have been good for business, but not without complications. Several pointed to shakier consumer sentiment and high gas prices — shaped, in their view, by politics and geopolitics — as concerns that could affect producers and customers alike.

Gov. Larry Rhoden also addressed the crowd after remarks from Ryan Eichler, connecting the evening’s celebration of cattle producers to recent policy debates in Pierre.

“Leadership isn’t about making the easiest decision, it’s about making the best one,” Rhoden said.

Rhoden spoke about South Dakota’s moratorium on cell-cultured protein products, a measure he described as important to the safety and integrity of beef products and to protecting South Dakota’s agriculture economy. He thanked cattle producers for working alongside state leaders and for what they do in their communities, emphasizing the trust and integrity ranchers bring to their work.

The program also recognized service and leadership within the cattle industry. Todd Wilkinson, vice president of the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Foundation, presented the Jean Wilkinson Memorial Branding Iron Award to the Kingsbury County Cattlemen’s Association. The award was described from the stage as honoring those whose work leaves a lasting mark — a symbolic branding iron used to recognize a profound contribution to the industry and its future.

Education and youth development were another major focus of the evening. Tyler Melroe, who leads the foundation’s education committee, spoke about programs designed to support the next generation of cattle producers while preserving the legacy and future of the industry. The foundation recognized founding participants in its Emerging Breeders Program, an initiative aimed at strengthening the cowherd through youth engagement, genetic investment, mentorship and breeder partnerships.

The foundation also announced scholarship support for South Dakota students pursuing postsecondary education in the state. The scholarship program requires applicants to demonstrate active involvement in the beef industry, including through a resume and essay. This year’s awards included $15,000 divided among students with a sincere interest in South Dakota’s cattle industry and its future.

A two-year scholarship recipient was also recognized from the stage for a commitment tied to technical education and work in the industry after graduation.

Fed Cattle Challenge participants were also honored. The program recognized both group and individual divisions, including Gregory County FFA as the top group entry.

After the awards, auctioneers took the stage and the evening shifted into one of its highest-energy stretches. Live auction items included a 24-foot cattle trailer, a custom Henry rifle, an original painting titled “The Flight of Freedom” by John Green, a Dierks Bentley meet-and-greet package with a signed guitar, and more. A gun raffle was also part of the evening’s fundraising activity.

The gala later moved into the concert portion of the night at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center, where Dierks Bentley headlined with special guests Muscadine Bloodline and Elizabeth Jo.

For all the polish of the evening — the dinner, the auction, the awards and the concert — the Prime Time Gala remained rooted in a simple exchange: the cattle industry giving back through the product it knows best.

By the end of the night, the message was clear. The gala was not just a celebration of beef. It was a reminder of how deeply South Dakota’s cattle industry sees itself as tied to families, food security, youth education and rural community life.

The first thing you notice at Cootie Days is not one ride, one food stand or one announcement over a speaker. It is the park beginning to hum.

Over the weekend of June 12–14, Dell Rapids Cootie Days returned to Dell Rapids City Park with the familiar machinery of a South Dakota summer. Kids moved from ride to ride with the urgency of tiny festival executives. Parents carried drinks, tickets and half-finished negotiations. The midway spun. The food stands worked. The park became, for three days, a bright little weather system of motion, sugar, music and memory.

A tradition with strange roots and staying power

Cootie Days is not simply another event on the calendar. The annual celebration is organized by the George A. Fitzgerald Post 65 American Legion, and for generations it has served as one of Dell Rapids’ signature summer traditions. The city’s event listing describes the weekend in classic small-town festival language, with fun rides, a carnival midway, and food. That list is accurate, but it does not quite capture what the weekend feels like when the grass is full, the rides are glowing and kids are already asking for “one more” before the first ride has even stopped.

The name Cootie Days carries its own piece of history. The celebration reaches back to the era after World War I, when returning soldiers used the word “cooties” for the lice and pests that followed men through the trenches and back home. What began in the rough humor of veterans became something gentler over time. The name stayed. The town kept showing up. A strange little word turned into a civic ritual.

A bigger midway gave the weekend its center

This year’s event arrived with extra energy. Dells City Journal reported that the 2026 celebration marked the 107th year of Cootie Days and included an expanded carnival midway. That expansion mattered. A carnival does not just add rides to a park. It changes the shape of the whole weekend. It gives children a skyline. It gives parents a route. It gives a community a center of gravity.

Much of that gravity came from Mac’s Carnival and Attractions, a family-run carnival whose roots stretch back to 1929. Luke McWhorter said his great-grandfather started the operation, and the company’s long history shows in the way it moves through a festival.

The company’s route covers a wide sweep of country, from Louisiana back north through the region. That kind of range gives a carnival its own seasonal pulse. One town’s celebration ends. Another waits down the highway. The trucks roll, the rides fold and unfold, and the same old American magic gets rebuilt in a different park.

Harrisburg’s loss became Dell Rapids’ gain

This year, Dell Rapids also benefited from a scheduling twist. According to McWhorter, Mac’s normally operates at Harrisburg’s annual city event, but the carnival was not booked there for 2026. Public previews for Harrisburg Days noted that one of the biggest changes this year was the absence of a carnival, with the event instead offering a free kids zone with inflatable obstacle courses and games.

Maybe that made sense for Harrisburg. Every city event has its own budget, layout and planning headaches. But in Dell Rapids, the result was easy to read from the edge of the midway.

Harrisburg’s loss became Dell Rapids’ gain.

Parents noticed the difference

That difference showed up in the smaller moments. During the little kids tractor ride, one parent chatting nearby said, “This company is so much better than last year’s.”

It was a casual line, but parents at community festivals are practical critics. They are not looking for luxury. They are measuring safety, patience, cleanliness, friendliness and whether the person running the ride seems to understand that a very small child gripping a steering wheel may be taking the entire experience with ceremonial seriousness.

The tractor ride became a tiny stage for that judgment. Kids climbed aboard with the solemnity of farmers inspecting acreage. Parents watched from close enough to wave, far enough to let the moment belong to the children. The ride moved at toddler speed, which is to say exactly the right speed. Around it, the larger festival churned on, but for a few minutes the center of Dell Rapids was a small loop of pretend tractors and very real joy.

That is the secret engine of a weekend like Cootie Days. The big picture is tradition, fundraising and community celebration. The memory is usually smaller. A first ride without help. A paper plate balanced badly under too much food. A grandparent buying tickets with theatrical reluctance. A teenager pretending not to care, then staying longer than planned.

A local fundraiser made the park feel like a civic table

Cootie Days also made room for something that often separates a community celebration from a simple entertainment booking. It made room for local fundraising.

Alongside the carnival rides and festival staples, the event allowed a local food vendor to set up as a fundraiser. That might sound like a small detail, but it says something important about the spirit of the weekend. Food at a summer festival is already part of the ritual. The walking taco. The lemonade. The plate carried carefully through a crowd while someone tries not to lose a napkin to the wind. When that food stand also helps raise money locally, the exchange changes. People are not just buying lunch. They are helping keep something rooted in town.

That choice fit the larger purpose of Cootie Days. The event has always been more than a midway. It is an American Legion tradition, a volunteer-built weekend and a gathering point for Dell Rapids families. The American Legion’s own history of Post 65 notes the post’s long-running connection to Cootie Days as a fundraiser with carnival and prizes. Giving a local food vendor space to raise funds made the park feel less like a rented attraction and more like a shared civic table.

The work behind the weekend

Events like this do not organize themselves. They are hauled into existence by volunteers, local groups, city coordination, vendors and the sort of behind-the-scenes labor that rarely gets applause because it happens before the crowd arrives and after the crowd leaves. Someone has to plan the weekend before anyone can enjoy it. Someone has to clean up the park after the last child finally runs out of tickets.

For Post 65, Cootie Days continues to serve as both a fundraiser and a living tradition. For Dell Rapids, it remains one of those annual markers that tells people summer has fully arrived. For families, it becomes whatever they need it to be that year. A night out. A reunion point. A kid’s first carnival memory. A reason to stay in town instead of leaving it.

There is something especially fitting about a Legion-backed event being powered this year by a carnival with its own generational story. Both depend on continuity. Both ask people to remember what came before without trapping the present inside a display case. Cootie Days has lasted because Dell Rapids keeps allowing it to be useful. Mac’s Carnival has lasted because the old midway magic still works when it is run by people who understand the road, the rides and the families waiting at the gate.

A temporary skyline, a lasting memory

By Sunday, the park had carried the full arc of a summer celebration. The first-night excitement had softened into that comfortable festival fatigue. The rides kept turning. The food kept moving. Children kept asking for one more time, one more ticket, one more chance before the carnival folded itself back into trucks and followed the road to the next town.

That is always the melancholy beauty of a carnival. It arrives like a rumor, becomes a temporary skyline, then disappears. But Cootie Days stays behind in the town’s calendar and memory. The grass recovers. The park quiets. The stories remain.

For Dell Rapids, the 2026 Cootie Days weekend was another turn of a very old wheel. A community tradition endured. A South Dakota carnival family carried the midway. A local food fundraiser found room at the table. And under the lights at City Park, summer did what summer does best.

It gave people somewhere to go together.

On one of those quintessential Sioux Falls summer mornings, McKennan Park was alive with the kind of energy that keeps residents returning year after year. Children played beneath towering trees, families spread blankets across the grass, and a gentle breeze carried the scent of blooming flowers through one of the city’s most beloved gathering spaces.

It was the perfect setting for a recent Sioux Falls herbal tea workshop hosted by the local chapter of Herbalists Without Borders. Gathered beneath the summer canopy, participants came together to learn about herbs, tea making, foraging, and practical wellness practices rooted in both tradition and everyday accessibility.

A Personal Connection to Tea and Herbal Wellness

Herbs and tea have been a part of my life for years.

Long before attending this workshop, I worked at Teavana in Sioux Falls, helping customers discover teas and herbal blends from around the world. Like many tea enthusiasts across the city, I felt a genuine sense of loss when the Sioux Falls location closed its doors in 2018.

My interest in herbal wellness did not end there. In the years that followed, I had the opportunity to work alongside a local herbalist, gaining a deeper appreciation for the traditions, practical applications, and history surrounding medicinal plants.

That journey shaped the way I approached this event. I expected to learn more about herbs. What I did not expect was to be reminded how powerful community can be when people gather to share knowledge.

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Learning Beneath the Trees

Surrounded by nature, conversations naturally turned toward the plants growing around us and the often-overlooked knowledge hiding in plain sight.

The workshop focused on the art and science of herbal tea making. Participants explored a variety of herbs, discussed their properties, and learned ways they can be incorporated into everyday life. Yet what unfolded throughout the morning became much more than a lesson in brewing tea.

The class was led by Ashton Blaha and Tera Regnier, coordinators of the Sioux Falls chapter of Herbalists Without Borders. Together, they brought far more than instruction to the gathering. They brought a clear sense of purpose and a genuine passion for community education.

A Table Full of Color, Texture, and Possibility

At the center of the workshop was a long table covered with bowls of dried herbs, flowers, seeds, and roots, each one offering its own color, fragrance, and texture. There were bright orange calendula petals, deep red hibiscus, pale chamomile blossoms, green leafy herbs, and jars filled with plant material waiting to become something personal.

The setup invited participation. This was not a lecture where attendees simply listened and left. Participants were encouraged to look closely, smell the herbs, ask questions, and begin thinking about how each ingredient might contribute to a blend. Some herbs offered floral notes. Others brought earthiness, brightness, bitterness, or body. Together, they showed how tea-making can be both practical and creative.

By the end of the workshop, that hands-on approach came together in a small take-home blend labeled “Summer Garden Tea.” It was a fitting reminder of the morning itself: local, personal, imperfect in the best human way, and rooted in the shared act of making something with your own hands.

The Mission Behind the Workshop

According to the mission of the local Herbalists Without Borders chapter, the organization is dedicated to accessible herbal medicine through community care, land-based education, mutual aid, medicinal plant stewardship, gardens, seed saving, and equitable access to plant-based wellness.

That mission was evident throughout the workshop.

Ashton and Tera were not simply teaching participants how to combine herbs into a flavorful cup of tea. They were helping people recognize that wellness can begin much closer to home than many realize. Whether through a backyard garden, a community food forest, or the plants already growing around us, the message was clear: knowledge and empowerment often start locally.

What stood out most was how naturally their partnership worked. Each brought unique experiences and perspectives, yet the presentation flowed seamlessly. Beginners felt comfortable asking questions, experienced learners were able to deepen their understanding, and everyone contributed to an atmosphere that encouraged curiosity rather than intimidation.

More Than a Cup of Tea

As the morning unfolded, discussions expanded beyond tea preparation.

Participants explored topics ranging from foraging and food forests to home gardening and preventative wellness practices. The conversation repeatedly returned to a simple but profound idea: many useful plants are already present in our communities.

Some of the herbs discussed were not rare ingredients imported from distant regions. They were plants that can often be found growing in local yards, gardens, parks, and natural spaces, frequently overlooked by the people who pass them every day.

That perspective offers something valuable in today’s fast-moving world. It encourages people to slow down, observe their surroundings, and develop a deeper relationship with the landscapes they inhabit.

Reclaiming Traditional Knowledge

One theme surfaced repeatedly throughout the class.

Knowledge does not always have to originate from a bottle, a package, or a prescription label. Sometimes it begins with understanding the resources already available within our communities and ecosystems.

That idea is not about rejecting modern medicine. Rather, it is about becoming more informed and more engaged with the many ways people can support their overall well-being through education, nutrition, gardening, and mindful daily practices.

The workshop emphasized empowerment through learning, giving participants tools to make informed choices while fostering greater awareness of the natural world around them.

Community as the Real Ingredient

Perhaps the most encouraging aspect of the event was not the tea itself.

It was the people.

Attendees were not simply sitting through a lecture. They were building relationships, exchanging stories, asking questions, and reconnecting with traditions that have been passed down through generations.

In an era when so much information is consumed through screens, there is something remarkably powerful about gathering around a table, touching herbs with your hands, smelling fresh leaves, and learning directly from people who care deeply about their craft.

Strengthening the Fabric of Sioux Falls

As Sioux Falls continues to grow, opportunities like this play an important role in strengthening the community.

Organizations, educators, and volunteers who create spaces for learning help cultivate curiosity, self-education, and a stronger connection to the place we call home. They encourage residents to see familiar landscapes through new eyes and remind us that community is built through shared experiences.

For me, the workshop felt less like the conclusion of a class and more like the beginning of a new chapter. I look forward to attending future events and finding opportunities to continue learning from the individuals helping expand awareness around herbalism, foraging, food forests, and community wellness.

To learn more about the Sioux Falls chapter of Herbalists Without Borders, visit their official chapter page.

For more stories highlighting the people, organizations, and events shaping our region, visit Intellectual Dissatisfaction

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Grand Opening

Starting a card shop in today’s world isn’t just a dream. It’s a high-stakes opening hand—and most people fold before they ever get a chance to play it.

But in Harrisburg, South Dakota, someone kept drawing.

With the grand opening of Empire Cards, a new arena has entered the map. Not just for collectors, but for competitors, storytellers, and anyone who knows the quiet adrenaline of chasing something rare.

Playing Against the Odds

There was a time when opening a card shop felt simple. You applied for wholesale, showed your credentials, and ordered your starting inventory.

That world doesn’t exist anymore.

Distributors don’t just want proof anymore—they want to see a finished store before they even consider working with you. Shelves stocked. Displays filled. Photos that say, “this is already real.”

It creates a brutal paradox.

You need inventory to prove legitimacy… but you need legitimacy to get inventory.

For new shop owners, that’s not just a challenge. That’s a financial barrier that stops most before they ever open their doors.

Empire Cards didn’t stop.

They pushed through it—and built something real anyway.

Built by People Who Understand the Hobby

You can stock shelves.

You can’t fake understanding.

Empire Cards was built by James Hanson and Dustin Lybarger. These two don’t just sell the hobby, they live it. They know what it means to open a pack and hope for something special. Who understand that a shop like this isn’t just about product—it’s about the experience around it.

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A Deck Built Before the First Turn

Walking into Empire Cards doesn’t feel like a shop that just opened. It feels like one that’s already found its rhythm.

The shelves are stocked with intention. Sports cards line the cases like a highlight reel—modern stars, rookies, and flashes of greatness frozen in time. Pokémon products bring that familiar spark, the kind that pulls you right back to your first pack.

And then there’s Magic.

Rows of decks and booster boxes stretch across the shelves, offering something for every level of player. Whether you’re building, collecting, or just learning the game, it’s all there.

This isn’t a half-built storefront trying to figure itself out.

This is a shop that showed up ready.

The Glass Case: Where the Chase Lives

Every great card shop has a heartbeat.

Here, it’s the glass cases.

You lean in, and suddenly it’s not just browsing—it’s hunting. Rows of singles laid out with care. Some affordable, some rare, all carrying their own kind of gravity.

It’s the same feeling across every corner of the hobby.

The Pokémon card you’ve been chasing.

The Magic piece your deck has been missing.

The sports card that reminds you why you started collecting in the first place.

That quiet moment where everything else fades and you think, there it is.

More Than a Shop, It’s a Place to Stay

Empire Cards understands something a lot of shops miss.

People don’t just come to buy cards.

They come to spend time around them.

Tables are set up for sorting, trading, and playing. Not tucked away, not secondary—built into the experience. A place where games happen, conversations start, and regulars are made.

The lounge area slows everything down. A couch. A TV. A space that feels less like retail and more like somewhere you can exist for a while.

And then there’s the small details that matter more than they seem.

A snack rack. A drink cooler stocked and ready. The kind of setup that turns a quick visit into an afternoon.

Because the best shops don’t rush you out the door.

They give you a reason to stay.

Opening Day Felt Like a Full Room

The grand opening landed the day after Easter—no school, no rush, just time.

And people showed up.

Not in a chaotic wave, but in a steady, constant flow. Families, collectors, kids exploring every corner of the shop.

You could feel it.

A kid pressed up against the glass, pointing at cards and trying to decide what mattered most.

Collectors scanning displays with quiet focus.

Strangers talking like they’d known each other for years, connected by the same language.

That’s when a shop crosses the line.

From new… to alive.

The First Turn of Something Bigger

Every shop has a beginning.

Not every shop has momentum at the beginning.

Empire Cards does.

They stepped into an industry that’s harder than ever to break into and found a way forward. They stocked their shelves when the system made it difficult. They created a space that invites people to come in, stay awhile, and come back again.

That’s how communities start.

Not with noise—but with consistency, presence, and a place people want to return to.

Empire Cards didn’t just open its doors.

It dealt its first hand.

And Harrisburg just got a new place to play.

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Edit: The New Life Church has made a statement that they did not purchase the property and had no role in the bar losing its location.

Located at 508 S. 1st Ave. in Sioux Falls, the bar has long been known as a neighborhood gathering place and one of downtown’s few true dive bars — a place where regulars, first-timers, service industry workers, and longtime locals all seem to find common ground.

According to owner Andrea Shaw, who leases the building and does not own the property itself, Top Hat Bar & Lounge has been informed that its lease will not be renewed, and the business will need to vacate the space by December 2026.

The news comes as a shock not only to Shaw and her staff, but to many in the Sioux Falls community who see the Top Hat as more than just another bar. To them, it is a downtown institution.

For a small business owner, news like this is more than disappointing — it is destabilizing.

The Top Hat’s roots in Sioux Falls appear to run deep. A local Facebook post referencing a 1960 Sioux Falls phone directory says the bar opened in 1954, and notes how neighborhood businesses, including bars, pool halls, and beauty shops, shaped the character of the city at the time. Whether people remember it from decades ago or only discovered it in recent years, the Top Hat has become one of those rare places that connects old Sioux Falls to new Sioux Falls.

It has also continued to build a strong reputation since Shaw took ownership of it in 2006. The bar has received repeated recognition in recent years, including BusinessRate Top 10 in the bar category for 2025 and BusinessRate Endurance Top 10 in the bar category for 2026, according to materials shared by the business.

Awards alone do not define a place like the Top Hat, though. What matters more is what will be lost if it disappears from this location.

Downtown Sioux Falls has changed dramatically over the years. Development has brought growth, new investment, and new energy. But part of what gives a downtown its soul is the survival of the places that were there before the trend lines, before the polished branding, before every district started to look like every other district.

Now, the church next door, according to Shaw, would like to demo this building to replace it with a larger parking lot for its attendees. However, The New Life Church has made a statement that they did not purchase the property and had no role in the bar losing its location.

With this bar being forced out, Sioux Falls will not just lose a tenant. It risks losing a piece of its character — a local gathering place with history, personality, and a loyal following that cannot simply be recreated somewhere else.

At a time when communities everywhere say they want to support small businesses and preserve local culture, this is one of those moments when those values are tested in real life.

For Shaw, her staff, and the customers who have kept the Top Hat going, the hope now is simple: that the decision can still be reconsidered, and that the bar can remain where it has built its name and community.

However, this seems unlikely at this point, as Shaw has publicly announced its plans to relocate after it closes its doors in December. As of now, the new location is undetermined.

It snowed an inch or two today which really made for a beautiful night — a cold one too.

I took a ten minute video so I could share the festivities with you guys.

Hope you enjoy, and that you had a great Thanksgiving!

The smell of wood smoke, the ring of hammer on iron, the creak of wagon wheels—these sounds and scents aren’t just memories of the past. They come alive each year at the Homesteader Day Harvest Festival, now celebrating its 46th annual gathering at Beaver Creek Nature Area. The tongue-in-cheek slogan—“A Lot More Fun Than the Real Thing!”—reminds visitors that this is a festival where heritage and humor meet.

A Tribute to the Land and Its People

At the heart of the event lies the story of John August Samuelson, a Swedish immigrant who carved a home out of the Dakota prairie in 1869. From a dugout overlooking Beaver Creek, Samuelson and his wife Anna built a family legacy of resilience, faith, and community. The cabin, barns, and fields he worked still stand as witnesses to the sweat and spirit of pioneer life, now preserved for the public through South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks.

Living History on Display

Unlike static museum exhibits, Homesteader Day is a living stage where history walks, talks, and fires black powder muskets. Visitors can watch old-time farming demonstrations, guided by local experts like Allen Severtson, Ir., Arlyn Van Whye, and Lyle Huls. The clang of Caleb Wynia’s blacksmithing echoes against the prairie hills, while Jimmy Joe Wade shows how trappers once survived the frontier wilderness.

The Dakota Harness Club shares the art of horse-drawn farming, while Civil War reenactors of the 13th U.S. Infantry march across the grass in wool uniforms that test endurance as much as authenticity. The Silver Creek Mavericks stage cowboy gunfights that mix adrenaline with a wink of Wild West theater.

Children dip candles, shell corn, try their hand at rope-making, and watch wool turn to thread under Joann Engelbrecht’s expert touch. For hungry festivalgoers, Dutch ovens bubble with rich pioneer stews while fiddlers of South Dakota provide the soundtrack to it all.

Community at the Core

Behind every wagon ride and heritage craft is the generosity of volunteers, local organizations, and sponsors. The Mary Chilton DAR Foundation helped restore and furnish the Samuelson cabin, keeping its spirit intact for future generations. The Siouxland Heritage Museums contribute advertising, interpretive design, and educational activities, turning history into a hands-on classroom.

Festival organizers remind us that this event survives thanks to community support. Donations through the SD Parks and Wildlife Foundation keep the cabins maintained, tools preserved, and fires burning year after year.

More Than a Festival, A Tradition

For families, the festival is both entertainment and inheritance. Wagon rides rumble down trails, children grin with beeswax-covered fingers after dipping candles, and parents find themselves surprised at how much fun they’re having watching a blacksmith twist hot iron into shape. One visitor summed it up simply: “My family enjoyed the event especially the wagon ride, the candles, the trapper, blacksmith, the mavericks, the saddles, and the games.”

That’s the magic of Homesteader Day—it’s not just about remembering the past. It’s about creating new memories rooted in old traditions.

As the festival enters its 46th year, Beaver Creek once again proves that history isn’t dusty—it’s alive, noisy, tasty, and downright fun.

Original Song:
Youtube: The Greatest Show
Spotify: The Greatest Show

We’ve been attending Fire Bros Demo Night for a few years now, which is lucky because we know where it’s at. The Facebook invite initially took you to Kentucky. Every time we think they’ve hit the limit—they launch something bigger, brighter, and just a little louder. But this year wasn’t just about fireworks. It was about community, compassion, and a night of shared joy under the stars.

The moment “This Is the Greatest Show” from The Greatest Showman burst from the speakers to open the evening, it was clear: Fire Bros wasn’t just selling fireworks. They were staging a full-on spectacle—and a chunk of the city showed up to witness it.

🎇 Fountains with Flair

The show opened with a run of fountains that delivered high color, high energy, and high praise. The adults were entranced by the shimmering display of Peacock, a beautiful multicolor cascade that fans out like a prideful showbird. Melon Madness gave sweet summer vibes in vibrant greens, and Lightsaber sliced through the dusk like a sci-fi duel made of sparks.

For the kids, Jumping Jellybeans and Go Pokémon Pikachu were instant hits. There were giggles, gasps, and one group that chanted “Pika! Pika!” until the last ember fizzled out.

🖍️ Roman Candle Chaos

Then came the candles—bright, bold, and just the right amount of rowdy. Crazy Crayon scribbled color across the sky like a hyperactive art student, and 5 Ball Neon launched its vibrant rounds with laser precision.

🎂 Small Cakes, Big Personality

Don’t let the “small” label fool you—these cakes brought enough punch to make the earth hum:

• Crystal Rain shimmered softly before exploding into elegant glitter storms.

• Angry Apples fired off feisty bursts like they had something to prove.

• Luna Chick spun wild sky loops with lunar flair.

• Fuzzy Fury came off cute… until it roared like a fireworks lion cub.

• Carolina Reaper was as spicy as the name promised.

• Twisted Lemon twisted literally mid-flight, drawing gasps from the crowd.

• Aftershock built tension like a horror movie, then hit with thunderous applause.

• Catty Wampus was joyfully chaotic, while Ghost Train rolled in slow and eerie before exploding in a blast of lights.

• Neon Strobe pulsed so fast it felt like the entire field got momentarily zapped into a dance party.

💣 Heavy Cakes That Blew the Roof off the Sky

The grand finale section brought out the big names—and the big noise:

• Titan and Hercules unleashed thunderous blooms that rattled drink cups and hearts alike.

• Draggin’ Tail slithered up before bursting in a fiery roar.

• Buck Fever brought backwoods energy with forest-green flashes and big-bang pops.

• Military Grade felt like it came with its own secret clearance.

• Lion’s Wrath and Wolf Warrior both delivered animalistic bursts of glory.

• Granny Gone Wild was the surprise star—equal parts hilarious and seriously powerful.

• Night Diamonds flickered in shimmering elegance, like prom night in the apocalypse.

• Day of the Lord was so grand, you half expected the sky to part.

• Billy Big Rigger thundered like an 18-wheeler down the highway of the heavens.

• Streets of Gold wrapped the night in a blazing trail of glittering finale fireworks that felt like a standing ovation in the sky.

🎶 Music Meets Mayhem

What truly tied it all together was the music. This wasn’t just a random series of explosions—it was an orchestrated experience. Every burst, crackle, and sparkle was synced with powerful, emotion-filled tracks that carried the audience through awe, joy, and a few misty-eyed moments of nostalgia.

❤️ Giving Back with Every Boom

And here’s what really sealed the night: part of the proceeds from this event went toward a local church food drive, bringing not just light to the sky but hope to families in need. Fire Bros proved that fireworks can do more than entertain—they can uplift, connect, and support a community when it matters most.

🌭 One Last Wish

As regulars to this explosive extravaganza, we can honestly say the only thing missing is a bite to eat. A small food truck or hot dog stand—nothing crazy—would go a long way for families out all evening. A quick snack between fountains and fireworks? That’s how you make a perfect night just a little better.

Final Verdict: Fire Bros Demo Night 2025 wasn’t just a product preview. It was a heart-filled, high-energy celebration of everything we love about summer nights, fireworks, and our community. If this isn’t the greatest show, we don’t know what is.

We’ll be back next year—hopefully with a hot dog in one hand and Granny Gone Wild in the other.

Original Song:
Youtube: The Greatest Show
Spotify: The Greatest Show

This week, the Outdoor Campus transformed into a bat haven—minus the guano — hosting an educational extravaganza with guest speaker Molly that left kids buzzing like moths under a porch light. With wings flapping and imaginations soaring, young learners dove into the fascinating world of South Dakota’s nighttime superheroes: bats.

And no, we’re not talking about the cape-wearing, Gotham-protecting kind — though these creatures are just as cool.

Echo, Echo!

The biggest hit of the night? An echolocation game that turned the field into a giggling grid of blindfolded “bats” and their buzzing “bugs.” The rules were simple: kids had to use sound cues to find their “prey,” just like real bats do with high-frequency calls. The laughter? Anything but ultrasonic.

Bat Facts That Stuck Like Velcro

With at least eleven bat species fluttering around South Dakota skies — and likely more we haven’t even discovered — there was no shortage of fascinating facts flying around:

• Tree Bats like the red bat, hoary bat, and silver-haired bat prefer to hang out (literally) in trees. They’re snowbirds too, migrating south for the winter alongside birds.

• Cave Dwellers such as the northern myotis and Townsend’s big-eared bat stick around all year, hibernating underground like tiny, winged hobbits.

• The little brown and big brown bats are the real real-estate agents of the bat world—caves in the winter, buildings in the summer.

One standout stat had parents and kids alike wide-eyed: One brown bat can eat 600 mosquitoes in an hour. Suddenly, bats went from “creepy” to “mosquito MVP” in record time.

Bats Need Heroes, Too

Turns out, bats are in trouble. 40% of North American bat species are endangered. The event emphasized that everyone can be part of the solution. Building a bat box, not disturbing hibernating colonies, and sharing knowledge are all simple yet impactful ways to support our flying mammal friends.

Speaking of flying mammals: while flying squirrels may glide, bats hold the exclusive title of the only true flying mammals on Earth. Respect the wings.

From Texas Titans to Backyard Buddies

Kids also learned about the Mexican free-tailed bat colony in Texas, home to 20 million bats that collectively eat their weight in bugs — equivalent to 32 African elephants worth of insects each night. Suddenly, bedtime didn’t seem so important anymore.

As the evening wrapped up with crafts, bat box displays, and a few kids flapping around pretending to sonar-locate their snacks, it was clear the Bat Bash wasn’t just educational. It was epic.

Final Echo

So next time you see a little shadow flutter past your porch light, remember: it might just be one of South Dakota’s hidden treasures, doing its part to keep the mosquito population down and the ecosystem in check.

And if your kids start echolocating at the dinner table? Just smile and blame the Outdoor Campus.

In a most generous act from the realm’s treasury, costumed adults received one gold coin, dollar, off their entry — a reward for bravery in donning corsets and chainmail on a hot summer’s morn.

Grub & Grog: A Culinary Quest

Our first quest for sustenance led us to the Kabob Keep, where alas, ten gold was demanded for but a morsel of meat upon rice, accompanied by a potion of lemonade that tasted suspiciously like sorcery most mild. We quickly ventured forth to The Lunchbox wagon, where for a mere eight gold you could procured a petite but palatable turkey leg.

Cheers rang through the land as Sir Wild Bill returned with his legendary root beer—an elixir beloved by peasants and nobles alike. Also hailing from the icy realms, Dakota Snow brought joy with rainbow shaved ice and the mythical pop-tart ice cream sandwich, which surely came straight from a wizard’s pantry.

Southern Perfection BBQ became the village favorite. Their hefty turkey legs ($17) could knock out a troll, and their roasted corn on the cob was… aggressively peppered. So peppered, in fact, that one bite had us casting the spell Summon drink. Still, the turkey leg was a feast fit for a jester!

Note to the kingdom: more tables are needed, lest younglings drop their turkey legs in the dirt and parents weep in hunger.

As always, the Mead Pub was bubbling with mirth and magic—Panacea Meadery ensuring no flagon stayed dry.

Wares of the Realm: Treasures & Trinkets

The Market Field was bustling with vendors and vagabonds. Wassail Horns enchanted us with jewelry forged from the bones and hides of ethically scavenged beasts—truly a barbarian’s bling.

But lo! The greatest addition to the market this year was a tavern game of great prestige: Gwent with the Witcher!

Toss a coin to your bard, indeed!

The Witcher himself was so captivating, he stirred my very soul into songcraft. So inspired was I, that I composed a bardic ballad in his honor—watch the music and video tribute here:

From crystal conjurers to leatherworkers, and Viking traders to enchanted scribes, the stalls were overflowing with curiosities. Among the spoils we claimed: a stylish new satchel for the fair maidens (our daughters), a captivating wolf cane sword, a beautifully crafted replica of Sting from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, and a whimsical health potion drink container to toast our victories. We also paid homage to new authors of the land by acquiring their sacred scrolls (books)!

Minstrels, Mages, and Merriment

The Crown Stage rang with the jesting of Zilch the TorySteller and the bawdy antics of the Tortuga Twins. The Dragon Tent featured the Naughty Bawdy Brigade, bards and belly dancers, and more innuendos than you can shake a lute at.

At the Royal Arena, brave knights did clash in a thunderous joust—children cheered, maidens swooned, and peasants shouted, “Get him in the shin!”

The Combat Arena offered all-day swordplay for aspiring squires and glory-seekers, while the Children’s Realm delighted with face painting, Viking tales, and dragons that didn’t breathe fire (thank the gods).

Final Proclamations

Verily, this year’s Sioux Falls Renaissance Festival was a grand tale of joy, jest, and jousting. Though seating be scarce and corn be spicy, the event delivered a wondrous blend of olde-world charm and family fun. Let the bards sing of this day for many moons to come—until we return once more with turkey legs in hand and mead in our hearts. Huzzah!

On a recent evening, our Community Champions writers had the pleasure of attending the Project Awareness art benefit for the Carroll Institute, presented by Sufu Creative.

The event was filled with an array of talented artists, including familiar names like Moma Sam and Adrian Day. Some other Vendors included MG Designs, Shall We Tea, Level 26 Woodworking, and Needful Things and Tasty Treats. Set against a backdrop of creativity, the event also offered some delicious food truck options for attendees to enjoy.

During the event, our feet on the ground reporter, Hope Hoffie, had the opportunity to speak with Kristi VanDeRostyne, the Prevention Services Program Manager with the Carroll Institute Adolescent team.

VanDeRostyne, who started as an intern 14 years ago, expressed her passion for the work they do at the institute and how it keeps her going on even the toughest days. She also mentioned the perk of working with the school based adolescent program is having more time off during the summer months to spend with her own children. As parents ourselves we can respect that as a positive perk!

The Carroll Institute is a treatment center for substance abuse, catering to adults. They also have residential housing called ARCH and a mental health focus group. VanDeRostyne emphasized the uniqueness of their adolescent program, which serves a wide range of schools, including rural ones, Sioux Falls Lutheran, and the local juvenile detention center. While they would like to work with more schools, budgetary constraints can sometimes limit their outreach efforts.

Another individual we had the opportunity to speak with was Heather from Sufu Creative.

Heather informed us about their Open Art Studio, which operates Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 1-7 PM, but also allows people to schedule sessions on other days. The studio provides a variety of art supplies, including paint, watercolor, rock painting, and clay, all free of charge. On Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, when there are no scheduled shows, they offer classes.

One recent class focused on urban landscape painting, where participants collected leaves and pine cones to incorporate into their artwork. The studio welcomes people of all ages and hosts events for non-profit organizations. The only requirement to participate is to be sober, and those under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. The studio operates on donated time and materials, emphasizing the importance of community.

A quick glance around the event revealed a strong sense of togetherness, as everyone pitched in to help set up tents and support one another. Sufu Creative has been operating for two years, with the art studio opening in May. They also strive to be fair to the artists, keeping their vending fees under $50, unlike many other vendor shows.

The Project Awareness art benefit for the Carroll Institute, presented by Sufu Creative, was not only a celebration of art but also an opportunity to support a worthy cause. Through their unique programs and dedication to the community, both the Carroll Institute and Sufu Creative continue to make a positive impact..

One of the highlights of the festival was the wonderful live music performance by Landon Weis. His repertoire included some fantastic Beatles covers that had everyone tapping their feet and singing along.

Additionally, there was an outdoor campus sponsored table filled with engaging activities for kids, and a painting session with the talented artist, Carol. My daughter had a fantastic time painting with Carol and it was a memorable experience for her.

The festival also featured a variety of vendors who added to the atmosphere. Boernsen Bees showcased their amazing creamed honey, while Spring Creek Family Farms displayed their beautiful flowers. The Glory Garden year-round Farmers Market set up a booth to educate people about the vendors and local products they support. It was a great opportunity to learn more about the importance of supporting local agriculture and businesses.

The event also had an impressive lineup of speakers who shared their knowledge and expertise with the attendees. Bob Reiners from the S.D. Department of Agriculture kicked off the day with a Beekeeping Update, providing valuable insights into the latest developments in the field. Alina Krone-Hedman from Minnehaha Conservation gave a talk titled "Pollinators, Nature Plants & Agriculture: A Team Effort," highlighting the importance of collaboration in protecting our pollinators.

Marlene Boernsen from Boernsen Bees entertained the crowd with her presentation on "Honey Heroes - Fun facts about bees," sharing intriguing facts about these incredible creatures. Tyler and Bentley Childress, a father-son duo, spoke about their journey of learning the basics of beekeeping together as a family, inspiring others to do the same. Laura Kalfs and Tresa Tingle from Landscape Garden Center discussed the importance of choosing plant material that supports bees and other pollinators, inspiring attendees to make informed choices in their own gardens.

The festival also provided an opportunity for art enthusiasts to view a gallery featuring Plein Air Paintings by Steve Randall. His artwork added a touch of beauty and creativity to the event, showcasing the talent of local artists.

Overall, the Bee Festival at Laurel Ridge Barn Event Venue was a delightful and educational experience. From the captivating live music to the engaging activities for kids and the informative speakers, there was something for everyone to enjoy. I highly recommend this venue for any event, as its beauty and amenities make it the perfect setting for a memorable gathering.

Sioux Falls, South Dakota - When it comes to the local vape scene, there's one place that stands out from the cloud of competitors - The Cloud. With their vast selection of over 17,000 different flavor and vapor combinations, this vape shop is a haven for vape enthusiasts in the area. But The Cloud is not your average vape shop; it's a place where tangents on breastfeeding, nutrition, and the fate of the economy are just as common as discussions about vape flavors. Our very own Hope Hoffie sat down with Karn, the owner of The Cloud, and had a blast listening to his unique perspective on life, vaping, and everything in between.

When asked to provide a brief overview of his business and the products and services they offer, Karn proudly stated, "We provide 17,000+ different flavor and vapor combinations in different sizes and ratios." But the conversation quickly took a hilarious turn when Karn reminisced about the time the FDA came to inspect his shop. "They asked me all these questions with their fancy acronyms, and I had to explain to their inspector what those acronyms even stood for. It was like a comedy show!"

The Cloud has been operating in the local area since Halloween of 2014, which means they are approaching a decade of serving the vaping community. Karn shared that he started making vape juice 14 months before that for a now-defunct vape connection. But what inspired Karn to start his own vape shop? "I wanted to help guide people away from cigarettes because I used to smoke and my brother has smoked for over two decades. I believe people should be able to choose what they put in their bodies. Since switching to vaping, I feel better, and many of my customers have told me the same thing. They get sick less often since making the switch."

When asked about what sets The Cloud apart from its competitors in the area, Karn enthusiastically explained, "It's all about my manufacturing process, which I have refined over the years. No one else has been manufacturing liquid as long as I have, if they are even around anymore. We have a HEPA filtered clean room that is pressurized to maximize cleanliness. And unlike other places, where they use pumps and constant calibrations, we use medical-grade pipettes. We don't reuse anything, and we use clean pipettes every time we mix the product. It's all about quality and consistency."

One of the notable achievements for The Cloud is reaching their 10-year mark this year. Karn fondly remembers the early days of the shop when they would throw parties and have 50 people dancing while he played DJ. "Those were epic times," Karn reminisced. "But I'm also proud of registering over 17,000 SKUs to have one for every variation we offer. It's a lot of work, but it's worth it to provide our customers with endless choices and comply with the FDA’s ambiguous requirements."

The Cloud is not just a business; it's a part of the local community. Karn and his team have sponsored everything from softball teams to dart teams, motorcross racers to music festivals. They have even donated to ARM, a motorcycle club fighting addiction. "We love supporting local causes and being a part of the community," Karn said with a smile.

When it comes to special events, The Cloud used to throw legendary parties that brought the vape guys and the pool guys together. "We had pool tables and game consoles in the shop, and everyone would just hang out, play games, and stay out of trouble. It was a real community vibe. And now, with our 10-year anniversary coming up, I'm thinking about hosting another epic event," Karn hinted mischievously.

Customer service is paramount at The Cloud. Karn believes in building a rapport and trust with his customers. "I ask people what they are looking to achieve and help them pick a customized blend based on their preferences and goals. It's all about the personal touch. And it's amazing to see young generations turn into blooming parents and update me on their kids' milestones. It's like being a part of their extended family."

As for future plans, things are at a standstill due to new legislation that aims to restrict the vaping industry. However, Karn has his sights set on a new side venture - metal fabrication. "I've already got a plasma table for it, and I'm currently welding a water table to use with it. It's a passion project that I'm excited to explore."

When asked what he loves most about being a local business owner in this community, Karn didn't hesitate to answer, "Being my own boss and having the freedom to sponsor people and events in the area. It's a rewarding feeling to know that our support makes a difference in people's lives. Plus, being a part of this vibrant community is just icing on the cake."

So, if you're in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and looking for a vape shop that offers more than just your average flavors, head on over to The Cloud. With their extensive selection, dedication to quality, and a touch of comedic flair, you're sure to have a vaping experience like no other. Keep an eye out for their upcoming 10-year anniversary event - it's bound to be a blast!

If you want to read more about the pending legislation read our other article on it here.