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.