March 2026
Volume 25 • Issue 3
baking your day sweeter
From St. Patrick’s Day festivities to office gathering treats, we scrumptious cookies that are sure to make every day sweeter!
Our bakery case is filled with over 20 flavors of cookies baked f every day including seasonal flavors! We make our cookies by han using quality ingredients and lots of love! Whether you need to satisfy your own sweet cravings or need catering for an event, we bake it easy for you! We also serve gluten-friendly cookies, brownies, ice cream treats and decorated celebration cookies!
calendar 8
March 2026
concierge 14
A Fresh Chapter: Pomegranate Market Arrives Downtown
out & about
180+ Exhibitors
March 2026
Emily’s Hope Presents “Can’t Look Away” — The Dangers of Social Media Documentary Viewing and Panel
Monday, March 2 • 6 p.m.
Washington Pavilion
“Can’t Look Away” is an Emmy Award-winning documentary that exposes the darker side of social media and its impact on young users.
Real-life consequences young people face online, including the growing danger of fentanyl poisoning through counterfeit pills sold on social media. It is designed to engage parents, educators, healthcare professionals, and community leaders in meaningful dialogue about protecting young
people both online and offline.
Jazz on the Upper Great Plains Finale Featuring Aubrey Logan
Tuesday, March 3 7:30 p.m.
Orpheum Theater
The Augustana University School of Music presents the 51st Annual Jazz on the Upper Great Plains
Festival Finale Concert, featuring Aubrey Logan.
Theatre Lab Presents Mothers and Sons by Terrence McNally
March 5 • 7:30 p.m.
March 6 • 7:30 p.m.
March 7 • 7:30 p.m.
Orpheum Theater
Mothers and Sons explores themes of prejudice, loss, regret and
forgiveness. Nominated for the 2014 Tony Award for Best Play, it reflects on the AIDS epidemic, its diminishing prominence in our collective memory, and most importantly, it celebrates the evolving definition of “family”.
The Black Market Flea Market
Saturday, March 7
9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sunday, March 8
10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
W.H. Lyon Fairground
The Black Market is formerly Benson’s Flea Market and features everything you can imagine, big and little, old and new, heavy and light!
As the longest-running indoor variety market in
South Dakota we offer a nostalgic experience sure to bring back memories from childhood, stimulate excitement and provide hours of shopping entertainment.
Ag Day Saturday, March 7
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Washington Pavilion
Ag Day gives children and families a wonderful opportunity to learn
about agriculture’s significance – in South Dakota and beyond. With more than 30 vendors, our exhibits are exciting and educational – great for the whole family! This is a free event in our lobby spaces. Museums admission is not included, but stay and make it a full day of fun!
Sioux Falls Skyforce vs. Austin Spurs
Saturday, March 7
7 p.m.
Sanford Pentagon
The Sioux Falls Skyforce is a member of the NBA G League and an affiliate of the Miami HEAT. Catch the team in action at the Sanford Pentagon as they compete against some of
the top up-and-coming professional basketball players in the country.
South Dakota Symphony Orchestra: Shostakovich Symphony No. 8
Saturday, March 7
7:30 p.m.
Washington Pavilion Cultural Historian, Joseph Horowitz returns to Sioux Falls to guide you through the follow up of Shostakovich’s epic war symphonies.
Fiber Fun at the Old Courthouse Museum
Sunday, March 8 1-4 p.m.
Old Courthouse Museum 200 West Sixth Street Do you like to knit, crochet, needlework, or dabble in any other fiber arts? Come join members from the Crossthreads Fiber Guild for an afternoon of Fiber Fun! Attendees can work on projects, ask for suggestions, and just enjoy the company of fellow fiber friends.
INFO (605) 367-4210 or siouxlandmuseums.com
Sioux Falls Skyforce vs. Austin Spurs
Sunday, March 8 3 p.m.
Sanford Pentagon
The Sioux Falls Skyforce is a member of the NBA G League and an affiliate of the Miami HEAT. Catch the team in action at the Sanford Pentagon as they compete against some of the top up-and-coming
professional basketball players in the country.
Sioux Falls Skyforce vs. Stockton Kings
Wednesday, March 11 6:30 p.m.
Sanford Pentagon
The Sioux Falls Skyforce is a member of the NBA G League and an affiliate of the Miami HEAT. Catch the team in action at the Sanford Pentagon as they compete against some of the top up-and-coming professional basketball players in the country.
Spotlight Theatre Company Presents: Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella: Youth Edition March 12 • 7 p.m.
March 13 • 7 p.m.
March 14 • 2 p.m. & 7 p.m. March 15 • 2 p.m.
Orpheum Theater
Experience the timeless magic of Cinderella in this specially adapted Youth Edition of the beloved Rodgers & Hammerstein classic. Filled with humor, heart and unforgettable songs, this enchanting production celebrates kindness, courage and the power of dreams coming true, perfect for audiences of all ages.
Sioux Falls Skyforce vs. Stockton Kings
Friday, March 13 • 7p.m.
Sanford Pentagon
The Sioux Falls Skyforce is a member of the NBA G League and an affiliate of the Miami HEAT. Catch
the team in action at the Sanford Pentagon as they compete against some of the top up-and-coming professional basketball players in the country.
46th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Saturday, March 14
2-3 p.m.
Come Downtown for the 46th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Phillips Avenue. Celebrate this beloved day with friends and family Downtown! Find the parade map and parking options below.
St. Patrick’s Celebration of Traditional Irish Music at the Old Courthouse Museum
Tuesday, March 17
5–7 p.m.
Old Courthouse Museum 200 West Sixth Street
Stop in for live Irish Music by Maggie in the Meantime and the Dakota District Pipes & Drums. Food and drinks for sale, cash only please, all ages. Admission is free. INFO (605) 367-4210 or siouxlandmuseums.com
The Good Night Theatre Collective Presents Pride & Prejudice
March 19 • 7:30 p.m.
March 20 • 7:30 p.m.
March 21 • 7:30 p.m.
March 22 • 2 p.m.
Washington Pavilion
In March 2026, we’ll be diving back into the catalog of all-time-great literature once again, with a tale about as beloved
as it can get! From the director of past plays Little Women, Sense & Sensibility and Sealed for Freshness comes the Regency-Era story of sisterhood, society and dating while debutanting. It’s the official BBC adaptation of the ridiculously popular novel of the Bennet sisters… Pride & Prejudice!
Behind the Scenes Tour of the Irene Hall Museum Resource Center
Thursday, March 19 2 p.m.
Irene Hall Museum Resource Center
4300 N. Westport Avenue
Take a look behind the closed doors of the Irene Hall Museum Resource Center and see the artifact storage and conservation areas. Space is limited, call (605) 367-4210 to register, $5. siouxlandmuseums.com
Sioux Falls Skyforce vs. Mexico City Capitanes
Friday, March 20 • 7 p.m.
Sanford Pentagon
The Sioux Falls Skyforce is a member of the NBA G League and an affiliate of the Miami HEAT. Catch the team in action at the Sanford Pentagon as they compete against some of the top up-and-coming professional basketball players in the country.
Sioux Empire Arts and Crafts Show
March 20 - 21 WH Lyon Fairgrounds
Friday 4-7 PM Saturday 9-4 PM
180 + exhibitors, wide shopping aisles, food trucks, gourmet coffees and more! Artisans and crafters from across the country!
Sioux Falls Stampede vs. Sioux City Musketeers
Saturday, March 21
6:05 p.m.
Cheer on the Sioux Falls Stampede of the USHL at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center as they take on opponents from across the country.
Sioux Falls Skyforce vs. Mexico City Capitanes
Saturday, March 21
7 p.m.
Sanford Pentagon
The Sioux Falls Skyforce
is a member of the NBA G League and an affiliate of the Miami HEAT. Catch the team in action at the Sanford Pentagon as they compete against some of the top up-and-coming professional basketball players in the country.
South Dakota Symphony Orchestra: Broadway to Hollywood
Saturday, March 21
7:30 p.m.
Washington Pavilion
Broadway singer Nicole Parker, seen as Elphaba on Broadway and in the national tour of Wicked and in Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me, joins the SDSO for an evening of showstoppers from stage shows that became
immortalized in film. Your favorite moments from Wicked, Wizard of Oz, Into The Woods, and more.
Bob Dylan: Rough and Rowdy Ways Tour
Sunday, March 22 7:30 p.m.
Washington Pavilion
Bob Dylan, one of the most influential voices in music history, brings his Rough and Rowdy Ways
Tour to Sioux Falls for an unforgettable night at the Washington Pavilion. Fans can expect selections from the new album along with standout moments from Dylan’s legendary catalog.
World Ballet Company: Cinderella Wednesday, March 25 7 p.m.
Washington Pavilion
The beloved fairy
tale comes to life in a spectacular Broadwaystyle production that delights all ages, blending humor, romance and the timeless majesty of classical ballet.
World Ballet Company’s Cinderella features a dazzling cast of 40 international dancers, over 150 radiant handsewn costumes, exquisite hand-crafted sets and enchanting choreography by Marina Kesler.
Ceili Dance at the Old Courthouse Museum
Thursday, March 26 6:30 p.m.
Old Courthouse Museum 200 West Sixth Street Ceili (pronounced KAYlee) is an Irish social
dance. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced dancer, Ceili dancing is a fun and energetic way to spend an evening. Get ready to dance to live music at the Old Courthouse Museum! Beginners welcome. Free Admission.
INFO (605) 367-4210 or siouxlandmuseums.com
Clue
March 27 • 7:30 p.m.
March 28 • 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
March 29 • 2 p.m.
Washington Pavilion Murder and blackmail are on the menu when six mysterious guests assemble at Boddy Manor for a night they’ll never forget! Was it Mrs. Peacock in the study
with the knife? Or was it Colonel Mustard in the library with the wrench?
Based on the fan-favorite 1985 Paramount Pictures movie and inspired by the classic Hasbro board game, Clue is the ultimate whodunit that will leave you dying of laughter and keep you guessing until the final twist.
Sioux Falls Stampede vs. Des Moines Buccaneers
Saturday, March 31 7:05 p.m.
Cheer on the Sioux Falls Stampede of the USHL at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center as they take on opponents from across the country.
LHS BOOK DRIVE
We are collecting gently used books to help raise money for the Lincoln High School Newspaper, The Statesman.
YOUR USED BOOKS NOW!
We are accepting used books from all genres! Fiction, Non-Fiction, Mysteries, Western, Romance Please do not donate baby books, textbooks, dictionaries, encyclopedias or Reader Digests
Please drop your used books off at the administration office at LHS by May 8th, 2026.
LHS BOOK SALE
May 29, 4-7 p.m. • May 30, 8-10 a.m. Lincoln High School
Dr. Kroeze: katie.kroeze@k12.sd.us
Emily Geraets: emilygeraets@yahoo.com
Melaine Schneider: melanieschneider02@gmail.com
• Pomegranate Market
350 N. Reid Place 605-231-9215
pomegranatemarkets.com
Store Hours*:
Monday-Saturday 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Sunday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
*Soup, Salad and Hot Bar hours may differ. Check the website for current hours.
•
A Fresh Chapter:
POMEGRANATE MARKET ARRIVES DOWNTOWN
BY MARY MICHAELS | PHOTOS BY JULIE PRAIRIE PHOTOGRAPHY
Whenyou step into Pomegranate Market, you immediately know it’s more than just a place to grab groceries – it’s an experience built around good food, good people and good vibes. Rooted in a mission to nourish both the body and the spirit, this locally-owned business has spent nearly 15 years shaping the way Sioux Falls shops, eats and connects.
And now, they are spreading their mission at both ends of the city with their newly-opened location at Cherapa Place in downtown Sioux Falls.
From the very start, founder Craig Snyder designed Pomegranate Market with intention.
When the original location opened at 57th & Louise Avenue, the purpose was to enhance the local food scene by offering natural, organic and fresh options. In addition, the business prioritizes local growers and producers and champions sustainable choices so their shopping guests can feel confident that they are getting the best possible products.
Check the Pomegranate Market website each week for their listing of fresh deals, find tasty (healthy!) recipes, and learn about the local vendors providing produce, meat, milk and dairy, health products and more.
The new downtown location boasts 20,000 square feet of organic and fresh foods in
an environment designed with an urban, wellness-focused vibe.
One highlight of the new space is the Bistro, with its variety of hot and cold meal options perfect for dining in or grabbing to go. It’s led by Executive Chef T.R. Fuentes-McKenzie, who brings a farm-to-table philosophy to the menu, along with a global palate. The Bistro’s World Bowl offering has quickly become a fan-favorite. Take your favorite tastes from a variety of cuisines and have the team build you a bowl, burrito, taco or salad.
Pomegranate Market also recently launched catering out of the Bistro, which they say has drawn much enthusiasm from downtown
businesses for events of all sizes.
If you are already a fan of the soup and salad bar at the Louise location, they have you covered when you’re downtown. With dozens of options on the salad bar and fresh-made soup every day, you’ll find something to fill you up for lunch or dinner.
For a healthy boost while you’re shopping or when you need to dash in and dash out, the Groove Wellness Bar can keep you going with a variety of fresh juices, clean sodas, tasty smoothies and locally sourced coffee.
Pomegranate Market prioritizes quality and transparency. If an item doesn’t meet their standards—whether it’s ingredients, sourcing or sustainability—it simply doesn’t make it onto the shelves. Their philosophy is simple: real food, clear labels and pricing that feels approachable. That commitment
extends to the atmosphere too, with a team that works hard to create a positive, uplifting environment. From the first impression to the last bite, they want you to walk away smiling.
With the extensive product variety filling the shelves, the Pomegranate team makes it easy for customers to plan their everyday meals or to create something elevated for special occasions. They also are tuned in to their customers’ lifestyles and dietary needs. Whether you’re vegan, adventurous, health - focused or simply hungry, there’s something here that fits seamlessly into how you live and eat.
“Life’s too short to eat boring,” they like to say—so everything from their stocking philosophy to their in - store experiences reflects that playful yet purposeful spirit.
“We’ve loved playing host to downtown
professionals looking for a place to catch up with colleagues on a work meeting, or sit down for a few hours with their laptop and headphones in,” says co-owner Jonah Snyder. “We have more than 50 seats in our dining area, as well as a rentable conference room for folks looking to host meetings out of the office.”
Worried about parking downtown? Nothing to worry about here. In addition to nearby street parking, guests also have access to designated parking spaces in the attached parking garage.
Reflecting on the past 15 years since the first store opened and on the excitement that came with the new downtown location, Snyder is proud of what this local team has created.
“Pomegranate Market is more than a store — it’s a community hub built around fresh food and local connection.”
recipes 17
Cheesburger
Potato Soup
at home 24
A City Home with Country Heart: The Brian and Cayla Rush Home
man in the kitchen 26
The Tipping Point
vino 28
The Tipping Factor
the a list 30
the simple season 32
How to Use Time Wisely
Cheeseburger Potato Soup
Title
BY JO MCCLURE
1 pound ground beef
3/4 cup chopped onion
3/4 cup diced carrots
3/4 cup diced celery
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried parsley
2 tablespoons butter
3 cups chicken broth
4 cups diced peeled potatoes
1/4 cup flour
2 cups cubed Velveeta cheese
1 1/2 cups milk
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup sour cream
Brown the ground beef and drain well. Sauté onions, celery, basil and parsley in the butter until tender. In a large soup pot, combine the vegetable mixture with the broth, potatoes and ground beef and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, mix the flour and 1/2 cup water, making sure there are no lumps. Add the flour and water mixture to the soup and bring to a boil again and cook and stir for 3 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and add the cheese, milk, salt and pepper...continue to cook and stir until the cheese has melted. Remove from heat and stir in the sour cream.
THE Brian AND Cayla Rush HOME
BY MARY MICHAELS | PHOTOS BY JULIE PRAIRIE PHOTOGRAPHY
Back in 2017, the happy arrival of their third daughter had Brian and Cayla Rush exploring housing options for their family of five.
“We were in the southeast part of town on a busier road and with a steep-sloped driveway,” says Cayla. “Not really the ideal location for teaching your kids to ride a bike.”
Having grown up on a farm, she wasn’t opposed to finding someplace outside of town. Brian, however, as a native Sioux Falls “city kid” wasn’t excited about the idea of needing to commute into town for everything.
Then one day, they happened to see a house for sale – in city limits but sitting on two acres of land.
“It was a perfect match for what we both wanted,” Cayla says.
Prior to moving into the home in 2018, the first order of business was a kitchen remodel. Built in the early 1980s, the house had all the ‘80s elements, like compartmentalized rooms and oak woodwork everywhere. They worked with Michele Latham and JR Designs LLC to plan the redesign, which included taking out a wall that had divided the kitchen and dining room.
White cabinetry provided the brighter aesthetic the couple wanted, and removing the wall gave the kitchen a big dose of natural light from the nearly floor-to-ceiling window facing the front driveway. Adding a pull-up shade provides privacy while still letting ample light into the space. While they originally wanted an island, Cayla says Michele
pointed out that adding it in a kitchen that is longer than it is wide could make for a tighter space. Instead, a peninsula at one end provided additional counter and seating space without disrupting traffic flow.
With the kitchen update complete, the family moved into the house in 2018 and has been enjoying their country home in the city. As the three girls got older, however (now 13, 11 and 8), the couple wondered if it was time to explore how to get more space.
“The girls are into more activities, they have friends over, and we just found that the space wasn’t working as well anymore,” says Brian. “And Cayla comes from a big family, so we knew it would be nice to have more room for when they come over. But the big question was
whether to look for another house or remodel this one.”
Brian and Cayla both agreed that their current location is ideal, and as they looked around the housing market last year, they found it wasn’t as promising for finding the space they wanted in the right price range. So, they decided to invest in the house they were
in – and once again called on Michele Latham for design expertise. That began a renovation that was completed last fall.
Knowing that the family needed functional space and wanted to keep things bright and open, walls came down again – this time in the living room and family room off the kitchen to create one large living space. A
sliding barn door separates the living room from an office, which had originally been home to the sliding door to the patio. That slider wasn’t convenient for the family, so they replaced it with a window and changed the living room window to a door leading out to the backyard.
A new concrete pad poured before winter
started is now ready and waiting for spring to arrive so the family can set up their seating and grilling area.
Brian and Cayla were grateful for Michele’s expertise when it came to selecting all the finishes, furniture and lighting.
“She really got to know us and what we like,” says Cayla, “so she would show us just a few samples, whether it was furniture or other finishes, and that made it so much easier for us to make decisions.”
The flooring was updated to light wood, the walls and woodwork brightened to white and dark gray accent walls and natural wood finishes were added for pretty visual accents.
In the living room, a comfortable sectional big enough for the entire family faces the fireplace and flat screen TV, which is set into a built-in shelving unit. Two black chairs next to the sectional provide added seating, and two yellow side chairs set by the front windows add a pop of color.
An eat-in area off the kitchen has a table with four black chairs and a natural wood bench, and the wall next to the table tells the story of a busy family. Not only is there
TRANSFORM LIVING SPACES INTO LEGACIES
a corkboard with reminders and schedules pinned to it, but there is also the sign of a modern family – an oversized digital calendar with color-coded entries for everyone’s activities.
A separate, enclosed pantry provides the family with ample extra storage and is a favorite feature of the kitchen space. A halfbath next to the pantry features a unique hammered-metal sink set atop the vanity, and a circular, rough-wood-framed mirror hangs over it.
Across from the bathroom is a mud room with a herringbone-tiled floor and a wall of coat hooks and storage for coats, shoes, sports equipment, and everything else you can imagine a busy family needs.
Heading up to the second level, a new black railing replaced the previous oak one. The other area receiving a makeover last year was the master suite.
“The room had carpet before, so that came out,” Cayla says. “We wouldn’t have necessarily thought about wallpaper, but what Michele added gives this such an elegant feel.”
A charcoal grey and white floral wallpaper
fills the wall behind the bed with its grey quilted headboard. Abstract art on the wall and the rustic wood TV table add warmth and charm to the room. A large pass-through closet opens to an en suite bath.
“When we moved in, this was all blue,” Cayla explains. “Blue toilet, blue sink, everything.”
The updated result gave the couple a double vanity with touch-light mirrors, a walk-in, vertically tiled shower and hexagon-tiled flooring, which Cayla adds was definitely on her list of “wants” for the space.
Brian and Cayla say they are happy they decided to go down the remodel route rather than looking for a house somewhere else.
“We have everything we need here,” says Cayla. “The girls have room in the backyard plus the front driveway for riding bikes, scooters, playing basketball or softball, and we don’t have to worry about traffic.”
By reimagining their space instead of relocating, the Rushes found the perfect blend of comfort, function, and family life. It’s proof that sometimes the very best place to be is right where you already are.
LUVERNE CAMPGROUND
WHEN NATURE CALLS…. GET AWAY FROM IT ALL IN LUVERNE!
Justswimming beach along with fishing, canoeing and kayaking. Round up your team for beach volleyball, horse shoes, or corn-hole. Enjoy a ride or walk on the 7-mile Luverne LOOP that connects directly to the campground. Amble down to the patio to relax with friends and meet new ones.
miles from your home, Luverne offers great choices for a weekend camping get-away. Put your electronic devices away and enjoy an adventure away from the stress and demands of everyday life. Hike the prairie, paddle down the river, enjoy a bike ride or just relax as you enjoy the wonders of nature…with a camping experience in Luverne MN.
Take a short trip downtown to enjoy the museums, galleries, restaurants, shops and other entertainment.
End your day at the firepit, toasting marshmallows for that perfect s’more and reflect on the day gone by.
BLUE MOUNDS STATE PARK CAMPGROUND
Enjoy your adventure at LUVERNE CAMPGROUND, located in the heart of the city. From camping to “glamping” the Luverne Campground offers the perfect mix of city life and nature. This private, locally-owned campground offers abundant amenities for everyone to enjoy.
For special gatherings, checkout the campground’s Event Space, only steps away. This fullytemperature controlled building offers entertainment options including pool, ping pong, board games, television and more with ample seating for groups up to 100. Email for availability and price: luvernecampground@gmail.com
BLUE MOUND STATE PARK, only a few miles north of Luverne, received its name from the large Sioux Quartzite outcrop that rises 100 feet over the prairie and is a popular destination for climbing enthusiasts along its 1.5 mile rock wall. Encompassing over 1,000 acres of the Northern Tallgrass Prairie Refuge, you will delight in your discoveries.
Hike the 15 miles of moderate trails that wind through native prairie grasses and blooming wildflowers. Listen for the voices of native birds including nesting Blue Grosbeaks and stumble upon unsuspecting wildlife along Mounds Creek. An all-terrain track chair is available for visitors who need mobility assistance. Free track chair reservations can be made online or by contacting the park office.
Make a reservation to hop aboard the park’s bison buggy for a 1.5 hour prairie and bison tour to experience the park’s majestic American bison herd, up-close and personal.
Blue Mounds State Park offers 52 (50amp) electric and 33 non-electric sites with restroom and shower facilities along with a primitive campground. Blue Mounds State Park is the perfect place to “un-plug” from your busy life and get back to nature.
Reserve space for your camper or motorhome at one of the campsites with full electric service (20/30/50 amp), sewer, water and wi-fi. Or try “glamping” in one of campground’s unique tiny homes. These one-ofa-kind homes feature heat/air, full bath, kitchenette, living and sleeping quarters featuring one room to two-story, two-bedroom options. Each home is uniquely designed with locally sourced collectibles.
Located only steps from THE LAKE, Luverne Campground offers a sandy
Three campgrounds within 5 miles of Luverne offer a variety of outdoors adventures. For
Luverne City Park before passing over the Rock River Bridge to the heart of downtown; with quaint dining, shopping and tourism amenities.
For campground reservations:
River Road Campground has 18 camping sites (12/pull-thru and 6/ back-in). Full services are available including 20/30/50 electric/water/ sewer. River Road offers free wi-fi, fire pits, picnic tables, shower house, bathroom and kid’s playset. Steps from the campground, is a spacious 2 story house with 5 bedrooms and 2 full baths available for short and long-terms stays or cozy one-room tiny homes.
Located steps from the campground is the beautiful Whispering Pines Event Space…perfectly suited for any special occasion you may have. www.facebook.com/ WhisperingPinesEventSpaceLuverne/ For event center reservations and information call: 507-935-5384
RIVER ROAD CAMPGROUND
Less than a mile east of the City of Luverne, RIVER ROAD CAMPGROUND is perfectly located to experience nature within walking distance to the city. This quaint, privately-owned campground is nestled under a mature canopy of trees with two small ponds just steps from the camping sites and rentals. Enjoy the song of meadowlarks waking you in the morning and the “hoots and honks” of geese and owls toward sunset. Hear the rustle of deer bounding through the prairie and small animals scurrying past at night…steps from your bed.
On the property, you can pop-on the Chris Ashby Memorial Trail and connect to the Luverne LOOP and the Blue Mounds Trail to run, bike or walk anytime during your stay. The 16+ mile paved trail system is the perfect way to connect you to the city or the country… without your vehicle. Walk west a few blocks and you’ll enter the beautiful
RIVER ROAD CAMPGROUND
Less than a mile east of the City of Luverne, RIVER ROAD CAMPGROUND is perfectly located to experience nature within walking distance to the city. This quaint, privately-owned campground is nestled under a mature canopy of trees with two small ponds just steps from the camping sites and rentals. Enjoy the song of meadowlarks waking you in the morning and the “hoots and honks” of geese and owls toward sunset. Hear the rustle of deer bounding through the prairie and small animals scurrying past at night…steps from your bed.
On the property, you can pop-on the Chris Ashby Memorial Trail and connect to the Luverne LOOP and the Blue Mounds Trail to run, bike or walk anytime during your stay. The 16+ mile paved trail system is the perfect way to connect you to the city or the country… without your vehicle. Walk west a few blocks and you’ll enter the beautiful
Luverne City Park before passing over the Rock River Bridge to the heart of downtown; with quaint dining, shopping and tourism amenities.
River Road Campground has 18 camping sites (12/pull-thru and 6/ back-in). Full services are available including 20/30/50 electric/water/ sewer. River Road offers free wi-fi, fire pits, picnic tables, shower house, bathroom and kid’s playset. Steps from the campground, is a spacious 2 story house with 5 bedrooms and 2 full baths available for short and long-terms stays or cozy one-room tiny homes.
Located steps from the campground is the beautiful Whispering Pines Event Space…perfectly suited for any special occasion you may have. www.facebook.com/ WhisperingPinesEventSpaceLuverne/ For event center reservations and information call: 507-935-5384
and information: 507-935-5380
LUVERNE CAMPGROUND
Enjoy your adventure at LUVERNE CAMPGROUND, located in the heart of the city. From camping to “glamping” the Luverne Campground offers the perfect mix of city life and nature. This private, locally-owned campground offers abundant amenities for everyone to enjoy.
Reserve space for your camper or motorhome at one of the campsites with full electric service (20/30/50 amp), sewer, water and wi-fi. Or try “glamping” in one of campground’s unique tiny homes. These one-ofa-kind homes feature heat/air, full bath, kitchenette, living and sleeping quarters featuring one room to two-story, two-bedroom options. Each home is uniquely designed with locally sourced collectibles.
Located only steps from THE LAKE, Luverne Campground offers a sandy
swimming beach along with fishing, canoeing and kayaking. Round up your team for beach volleyball, horse shoes, or corn-hole. Enjoy a ride or walk on the 7-mile Luverne LOOP that connects directly to the campground. Amble down to the patio to relax with friends and meet new ones. Take a short trip downtown to enjoy the museums, galleries, restaurants, shops and other entertainment. End your day at the firepit, toasting marshmallows for that perfect s’more and reflect on the day gone by.
For special gatherings, checkout the campground’s Event Space, only steps away. This fullytemperature controlled building offers entertainment options including pool, ping pong, board games, television and more with ample seating for groups up to 100. Email for availability and price: luvernecampground@gmail.com
The Tipping Point
BY JIM MATHIS
Toleave a tip, or not to leave a tip? That is the question.
It seems everywhere you go these days, people are asking for a tip. What used to happen only at sit-down kinds of restaurants, now happens just about everywhere you place an order. From coffee shops, to carwashes, even at the drive through. The tip screen on the payment device has become ubiquitous. Perhaps a little too ubiquitous.
I have heard from many friends that while they happily and generously tip when their meal is served at the table, they refuse to tip at a drive through or when they’re placing an order at a counter. I talked to people who are annoyed by the persistent screen asking them to choose 18%, 20%, or 22%. And I get it, it’s everywhere. Have we reached the tipping point?
So, let’s start with the why. The current minimum wage in South Dakota increased to $11.85 an hour at the start of the year. But for jobs that receive tips, the minimum is set at half that amount, just $5.925 an hour. (Given the demise of the penny, I’m not sure what to make of the .925 an hour). For jobs like servers or bartenders, they are counting on the tips to bring them up to the real minimum wage, which is still extremely low.
But given the expansion of tipping, it’s hard for we—the consumers—to know whether the person on the other side of that kiosk is being paid a fair wage or are they really counting on the tips. And if there is an opportunity for tips, is it a “nice to have” bonus? Or is that person making my coffee counting on a tip to make a living? For most
coffee shops, they pay above the non-tipped minimum wage, so if you leave a tip (which I usually do) it is thanking them for their cheerful service, getting your (complicated) order correct, or maybe rewarding them for recognizing you and remembering your regular order.
I think most people intend to tip fairly, but they may just underestimate what is appropriate. Several years ago, my brother and his family were visiting our fair city, and we went to lunch at one of our favorite restaurants. At the end of the meal, my fiscallyconservative brother surprised everyone by offering to pick up the tab. While not being nosey, I saw that his tip was about ten percent, half what I normally give. I threw an extra twenty-dollar bill on the table to make up for
Just don’t be stingy with the tip. Plan ahead, if you can’t afford what you are ordering PLUS twenty percent, go to Taco Bell.
the shortfall. My brother was a bit offended, but I explained while he may never eat there again, I’d be back in less than a week and I didn’t want his poor tipping to reflect on me. I’d rather have my brother a little upset with me for a few minutes than have a really good server feel underappreciated.
So, what’s the right amount? My rule of thumb is twenty percent. Some will suggest twenty percent on the pre-tax portion, but in my mind that just complicates things. Start at twenty percent. Yes, twenty, not fifteen, certainly not ten. Twenty. Why? They deserve it; remember that minimum wage thing? And it’s easy to figure in your head… ten percent times two and then round up. If the meal and service are exceptional, add a little extra. If something is a little off that night, round down.
Just don’t be stingy with the tip. Plan ahead, if you can’t afford what you are ordering PLUS twenty percent, go to Taco Bell. They don’t expect your tip for their livelihood. And every now and then, go nuts. Figure twenty percent; then add another ten or twenty bucks. If you give your housekeeper or hair stylist a little extra at the holidays, why not your favorite server? And I also take into account other things, like if I’m eating alone but taking up a four-top table in a busy restaurant, I’d add a few bucks because the server is missing out on revenue from a larger party.
If you’re using a gift card to pay for part of the meal, don’t forget to tip on that part as well. It’s easy to hand the server a fifty-dollar
gift card and forget that you had a hundreddollar meal when you only owe half that. But you need to tip on the whole amount. And if you’re paying the entire meal with the gift card, ask the server if you can pay the tip with the gift card as well. Believe it or not, some restaurants do not allow servers to take tips from gift card transactions. Ask in advance to avoid a bad situation.
What about wine and cocktails? If you add a bottle or two of nice wine to your tab, you could easily rack up more in drinks than food. My thought is you should certainly tip on the full amount, drinks and all. But what’s the difference between bringing a plate of food or a round of drinks? And once wine and drinks are involved, the server is likely to split tips with the bartender and sommelier. But there are those who decrease the tip percentage when wine or drinks are more than the food. Again, I think that it just complicates things.
Some restaurants in large metropolitan areas are experimenting with no-tip menus. In those cases, they’ve raised the price of the meals and pay higher than normal wages. I’ve not heard of anyone in the Sioux Falls area doing this, so unless you’re in New York, assume a tip is expected. And one restaurant owner I talked to said if they raised their prices to include tips, they’d likely lose customers to places where the menu price is lower, even if it didn’t change the total amount spent.
While I encourage tipping and when in doubt I try to err on the high side, you do
need to be careful not to go overboard. On a trip to the Bahamas my beloved and I enjoyed a truly exceptional meal at a restaurant called Greycliff. It’s a wonderful place in a threehundred-year-old mansion that is believed to have been once owned by a pirate. After a great meal, with wine, dessert, and a tour of their wine cellar, I was presented with the check. I handed the gentleman my American Express card, added twenty percent and didn’t think twice. When we returned home, I realized that they had already included an eighteen percent tip, and I tacked on twenty above that. Clearly, I made this young man’s day! Lesson learned.
In a city like Sioux Falls with a really high number of restaurants, we need to be aware that a big part of our workforce and our community work in the hospitality industry. And since these cooks, bartenders and servers are helping to make your night out better, we need to be sure to reward them for their hard work. So, leave a tip, tell them thank you, and appreciate the work they’re doing.
Do yourself a favor, eat something good today. And leave a tip.
While Jim writes about food and culture for fun, between breakfast and dinner he runs ADwërks, an ad agency in Sioux Falls. He’s also the author of Love and Death and Pizza, a collection of stories about love and death, and pizza. Available at Zandbroz, Full Circle Book Co-op and Rose & Eugene Presents.
THE Tipping FACTOR
BY RICCARDO TARABELSI
Thismonth I’m going to depart my usual musings about wine since March has always been more of a beer month… drinking green beer on St. Patrick’s Day, previewing new seasonal beers for the summer, and indulging in beer with friends for March Madness basketball. This month I’d like to address a relevant topic since we are all affected by it; whether we depend on it for income or if we decide it for service. Tipping. Call it a gratuity, a service fee, or just a way to reward the person that is serving you; tips affect everybody.
I remember working at my Dad’s gas station as a kid. It was the perfect summer job.
I would wait for someone to pull up to the pumps, run around to the driver’s window and ask with a smile, “Fill up?” Now, I’m probably dating myself by writing this, but this is when unleaded gas was about $0.89 a gallon, and we even offered leaded gasoline! Anyway, most people would have me fill up their tanks, hand me a $10 bill (for a fill up!) and then something magical happened… they would say, “This is for you,” and hand me a quarter or a fifty-cent coin or even a whole dollar! They actually tipped me for a service that I provided. They didn’t have to get out of their car, or get their hands dirty, or even figure out how to open their gas tank door.
I did that FOR them, and they rewarded me for it. Now, four decades later, I work in an industry where good service is rewarded, and exceptional service is the goal.
In restaurants, tipping is more of a carrotand-stick arrangement: “Serve us well and we’ll leave you a nice tip — maybe.” But it’s also a cart-before-the-horse arrangement. Far more practical in terms of getting results was the British habit of the mid-eighteenth century: patrons of pubs and coffee houses would hand waiters coins wrapped in a note reading “To Insure Promptitude.” Giving tips in anticipation of service rather than after the fact gave waiters the motivation to move it.
Tipping Other Service Providers
• Bathroom attendant: $2 a visit.
• Bellhop: $2 a bag, plus $10 for showing you how to turn on the TV and air conditioning.
• Bus tour driver and guides: $5 per person, per day.
• Coatroom attendants: $2 per article of clothing.
• Concierge: $10 to $20 for getting tickets and a difficult restaurant reservation; more for special services.
• Hairdresser: 20 per cent of the bill, plus $2 for the shampoo technician.
• Housekeeping: $2 to $5 a day, more if you’re messy. Leave the tip in your room at the end of your stay (though some folks leave a daily tip to get their pillows fluffed regularly.)
• Valet parking: $5
Tipping reflects our desire for our servers to like us even though we’ll be leaving in five minutes and may never see them again. Perhaps this is because we fear waiters’ anger if they’re stiffed. There used to be a website called The Waiter’s Revenge dedicated to servers posting fantasies in which punishments were given to bad tippers. Among the more interesting: bad tippers have to sit in a special saltines-only section of the restaurant, the bad tipper has a flat tire and the waiter is the only one with a spare, and bad tippers are given a complimentary after-dinner chocolate—the waiter explains that the word “Ex-Lax” printed on them means “Have a great day!” in Latin.
So how much should you tip? Fifteen per cent used to be the standard for good service, but these days most diners consider 20% to 25% more appropriate — for good service.
Let’s assume that the service was good. This means that the server was attentive, prompt, and knowledgeable about the menu and wine list. Your server was friendly but didn’t hover like a fairy godmother. Keep in mind that the more capable the service, the more invisible it becomes.
Consider, as well, what you’re demanding from your server. How many courses and drinks did you order? Did you ask for substitutions or special dishes? Did the
server, at your urging, consult with the chef about ingredients and preparation? Did the sommelier help you match each course with a glass of wine? Did you bring any children with you? The more you ask of the wait staff, the more you should reward them.
In the end, great service deserves a great tip. Carpe Exceptional Service!
Riccardo and Marybeth are the owners of Vinyahd Restaurant Group: R Wine Bar and Kitchen, Brix Wine Bar, Maribella Ristorante, Trio Jazz Club, and Vespa Catering. Get in touch with Riccardo at riccardo@rwinebar.com.
Spring is Around the Corner
It’s the perfect time to stop by Color Me Mine to paint a delightful planter for your favorite spring plants! Lots of designs and styles to choose from. Color Me Mine. 3709 W. 41st St. (605) 362-6055.
Step into Spring
Step into spring in style with the cutest and latest dance fashions from The Dance Line. 2115 S. Minnesota Ave. (605) 335-8242.
Sioux Empire Arts and Crafts Show
March 20 •12pm - 8pm March 21 • 9am - 5pm WH Lyon Fairgrounds Artisans and crafters from across the country. 180 + exhibitors, wide shopping aisles, food trucks, gourmet coffees and more! info@blackincevents.com
WIDE Shopping Aisles
Organized Essentials
Smart storage, beautifully hidden — this smooth pull-out keeps essentials organized and within easy reach. Custom cabinetry that works as hard as you do, without sacrificing style. Stop by and check it out at Dakota Kitchen and Bath, 4101 N. Hainje Ave., Sioux Falls.
We’ve Moved!
Check out Junk in the Trunk’s new location. 46930 Cody Trail in Tea, SD. Open Friday through Monday — closed Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays. junkinthetrunksiouxfalls on Facebook.
Irish for a Day!
Celebrate your Irish-ness with a box of our lucky frosted sugar cookie shamrocks, or try one of our seasonal cookie flavors! We have cookies to meet all your festive cookie needs. With over 20 flavors of cookies baked fresh daily, we can make your day extra sweet! Stop by either of our locations for our cookies, brownies, ice cream treats, or gluten-friendly options. Our daily special includes a Buy 6 Get 2 Free! Mary’s Mountain Cookies (605) 275-0060 - Downtown Location, (605) 275-0062 - South Cliff Location.
Sioux Falls Local Best
Thank you for once again naming Julie Prairie Photography a Sioux Falls Local Best! We are so grateful for the many years and the countless clients. We’d love to hear from you if you are looking for a high school senior, family or commercial photographer. Visit the website at julieprairie.com or drop an email at jp@julieprairie.com.
NOW OPEN!
Revel Kitchen & Cocktails is a fun and new familyfriendly now open in Luverne, MN. You’ll enjoy Smash Burgers, HandBreaded Chicken, Bracco Fish Tacos, Steak, Pasta, Salads, Cocktails, and more! 107 E. Main St., Luverne, MN. (507) 220-5600. reveldining.com
A New Level of Sophistication
We’re excited to introduce StarMark Cabinetry’s Shoshone textured reeded door, which brings a new level of sophistication to any living space. This door style masterfully balances modern texture with timeless elegance, creating a visually stunning focal point that elevates the entire room aesthetic.
The Simple Season: HOW TO USE TIME WISELY
BY BOBBI LYNN GAUKEL
Notlong ago, I was given an unexpected opportunity to look backward — and it taught me something surprising about how I want to live moving forward.
Last month, a former boss invited my best friend (and business partner) and me to lunch. Since he and I are roughly the same age, I assumed the conversation might drift toward retirement and the possibilities of entering a
new season of life.
Instead, he caught us completely off guard. He had recommended us for a lifetime achievement award presented annually within our profession. What was meant as a generous compliment immediately sent both my friend and I into an emotional spin. Suddenly, we were sorting through decades-old memories, missteps, and versions of ourselves we hadn’t
revisited in years.
It was more unsettling than I expected.
I found myself face-to-face with the person I used to be — including mistakes that still make me cringe. While I feel deep gratitude for growth and redemption, it was also important to remember how uncertain I once felt. One thought kept rising to the surface: I wish I could have known then who I would become.
Perhaps I would have worried less. Perhaps I would have risked more. Perhaps I would have enjoyed ordinary days instead of racing toward the next thing that would surely make things better or easier.
That realization led me to a deeper question: How often do we miss the life we are living because we are preoccupied with another one? Many of us spend our days leaning forward — planning and preparing for what comes next. Sometimes we find ourselves pulled backward, rewriting chapters we wish had unfolded differently.
Yet life is never happening in ‘what if’ or ’what was.’ It is only ever happening in ‘what is.’
A friend recently shared an observation from her work in sociology: people who have experienced significant uncertainty in life often learn to focus on the present because they must. Meanwhile, those whose lives are shaped by tradition may feel tethered to expectations of the past.
Many of us, however, likely live in the land of “what’s next.” We measure progress by having tomorrow figured out and wear
busyness like a badge of honor. Somewhere along the way, we begin postponing joy until everything is finished — the project, the end goal, the stage of life.
But what if nothing is ever truly finished?
Receiving that award nomination forced me to pause long enough to see my life not as a series of checkpoints, but as a collection of moments, many of which I hurried through without noticing. It made me wonder how different those earlier years might have felt if I had loosened my grip on the future even just a little.
Learning to live in the present does not mean abandoning responsibility or ignoring the lessons of the past. Wisdom certainly asks us to plan and to remember. But perhaps peace is found in holding both with open hands rather than clenched ones. When we practice presence, something subtle begins to shift. Joy becomes easier to recognize. Stress loosens its hold. Resilience grows. Even our bodies respond to the permission to slow down. Most importantly, we stop postponing our lives.
Lately, I’ve been leaning into a few simple
habits that slowly call me back to where my feet actually are:
• Beginning the day with prayer and a few intentional breaths
• Stepping outside for a walk when tension starts to rise
• Offering myself patience when I inevitably fall short of perfection
None of these practices are dramatic, which is why they have power. A simple life is rarely built on grand reinventions, but on small returns to what matters. Using our time wisely may not be about fitting more into our days. It may be about inhabiting our days more fully — the conversation with a friend going through a rough patch, the sunlight streaming through a window on a cold day, the ordinary Tuesday that will never come again.
The rewards we strove for in the past are no longer as important. And the future is not promised, no matter how much we plan. But this moment quietly waits for our attention. So I find myself asking a better question these days: Where is my life right now? More often than not, the answer is beautifully simple. It is right here.
family
Spring Cleaning Games
for Kids
BY JESS WEISCHEDEL
Spring cleaning doesn’t have to be a battle. It can be a seasonal family activity. Start with 10 minutes, add a basket, and call it a treasure hunt! Below are four simple ways to turn spring cleaning into something playful, structured, and surprisingly productive.
The
“Keep, Toss, Treasure Hunt”
The setup:
• Grab three boxes or laundry baskets.
• Label them: Keep, Give, and Goodbye.
• Set a timer for 15–20 minutes.
How to gamify:
Game
Instead of telling your child to declutter, tell them they’re on a treasure hunt. Shift the task from “clean your room” to “spot the treasure.”
• “Find five “Give” items that might make another kid happy.”
• “Can you find one “Goodbye” item that you’ve completely outgrown?”
• “Find something in here you forgot you even had.”
Kids respond well to categories when they’re clear and limited. And the timer creates a finish line, making each task easier and more exciting to finish.
For extra motivation, let them pick where the donations go. Animal shelter? Local foster closet? A friend with younger siblings? Purpose adds meaning and teaches valuable lessons.
Mom tip: Don’t argue over every item. If they’re unsure, put it in a “Decide Later” pile and revisit it tomorrow.
Morning and evening classes available. Junior Tennis Spring Session runs March 16-May 19
For more information, log on to www.playthepointe.com
Contact: Mark Vellek, Executive Director mark@playthepointe.com
The Beat the Clock Challenge
This one works like magic for kids with short attention spans.
The setup:
• Call it a Speed Round.
• Set a timer for 10 minutes.
How to gamify:
Announce a specific mission.
• “Pick up everything that doesn’t belong in this room.”
• “Find and put away all books.”
• “Collect every piece of laundry.”
• “Clear off this one surface.”
For extra motivation, lean in and narrate like a sports commentator: “She’s heading toward the bookshelf with excellent form. Oh wait, LEGO distraction, but she’s recovered!”
After 10 minutes: Stop. Celebrate. Reset or move on.
Mom tip: If you have multiple kids, turn it into a team event instead of competition. “Let’s see if the whole family can finish before the timer.”
The Spring Cleaning Store
Tell them you’re opening a “Spring Store.”
How to gamify:
• Each completed task earns a token (coin, sticker, punch marks).
• Avoid physical prizes if you can. Tokens can be redeemed for experiences like choosing dinner, one-on-one smoothie date with Mom, or picking the family movie.
The “Before and After” Challenge
If you want motivation that sticks, show them evidence. The setup:
• Pick one small space.
• Take a quick “before” photo. Clean the space together. How to gamify:
• Take an “after” photo.
• Now compare.
You’re training their brain to recognize visible progress, which builds internal satisfaction and encourages habits that make them feel good.
For extra motivation: Print the photos and let them tape the “after” on their wall or create a mini “Room Glow-Up” album. Kids love transformation and redesigning!
Mom tip: Your tone matters here. If you enter cleaning mode stressed and rushed, your kids feel it. If you enter with curiosity, “Let’s see what we can do in 10 minutes”, they will likely mirror that energy.
Spring cleaning with kids is less about achieving perfection and more about teaching systems and life skills: Everything has a home. We don’t keep what we don’t use. We care for what we own. Our space affects how we feel.
You don’t have to clean the entire house in one weekend. Pick one zone and game and start small. You can always open the windows, clear a surface, and start again!
Spring is Just Around the Corner!
We are available for adoption at the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society unless noted.
Cozy, best friend of Nielson family
Luna, best friend of Cher
Buddy, best friend of Bob
DOZER
Each month we will choose and feature cute pets. Your pet could be next, so send in a picture today.
Email your photo – just one per pet – to etc.mag@sio.midco.net. Please make sure they are high-resolution photos (the highest setting on your camera). Include in email: pet’s name and owner’s name. Pet owners must own the rights to all submitted photos.
Torvi, best friend of Connie Clay
Shep, best friend of the Suffolk family
Kota, best friend of Jerod
Our camps are hands-on learning experiences that create memorable moments in a fun environment, resulting in wonderful opportunities for students of all ages.They fill up fast so be sure to sign up early!
Mary Jo Wegner Arboretum
5-10 year olds (must be 5 by January 1, 2026) maryjowegnerarboretum.com
Tucked away on the east edge of Sioux Falls lies a forest filled with mystery and delights. Young explorers will discover woods and waterways of the Mary Jo Wegner Arboretum through earthy fun and scientific play - as they wander, stomp and splash through acres of NATURE’S PLAYGROUND. Expect an experience loaded with healthy hikes, camp songs, nature crafts and dirty knees!
non-profit organization that runs day camps, overnight camps and friendly retreats
about faith and horses in a quiet, small-town atmosphere. Great speakers, worship, crafts, games, campfires and time with horses. Learn to groom, tack, ride and communicate with these amazing creatures - and hit the trail on our over 45 acres of land. www.
First Tee South Dakota
The golf course is the classroom! First Tee creates active learning experiences that build character to empower kids through a lifetime of new challenges and personal growth through the game of golf. Programs offered at 12 courses and 83 schools - for ages 5-18! Sioux Falls, Dell Rapids, Madison, Brookings, Aberdeen, Mitchell, Pine Ridge, Milbank and Sisseton. firstteesouthdakota.org
Inspiration Hills
1st - 12th grade • Inwood, Iowa
Our mission for campers is to come to know and grow in Christ and build lasting relationships. Variety of camps for all ages - just 30 min. from Sioux Falls. Campers enjoy daily chapels, bible studies, devotions, worship, outdoor adventures, bonfires, swimming, horseback riding, archery low & high ropes challenge, canoing, crafts and much more! inspirationhills.org
Mathnasium
Mathnasium uses a learning method that was formulated to help your child build confidence in math, master math concepts, develop a love of learning, excel in school and achieve their potential. mathnasium.com
Siouxland Heritage Museums
• Tea Time Mini Day Camp - Pettigrew Home & Museum
Learn about what it meant to be an American child growing up over a century ago. Make a craft, tour the historic home and enjoy tea and treats! Wednesday, July 22 • 1-4 p.m. $20. Ages 5-7. Please register in advance. siouxlandmuseums.com
• Pioneer Day Camp
Kids can experience life as a frontier child in Dakota Territory at Pioneer day Camp. Outdoor, educational and fun! Full day camp at Beaver Creek Nature Area - activities include learning about the fur trade, fishing, candle dipping, making ice cream and more! June 2, 9, 16, 23 (one-day camp) 8 a.m.-5 p.m. $35. Ages 7-12 years old. Register early - limited space. (605) 367-4210.
• Victorian Girl Day Camp - Pettigrew Home & Museum
Girls can learn about Victorian tea parties, play indoor and outdoor period games, take a tour of the historic home and learn what it was like to be a Victorian girl. Thursday, July 23 • 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Girls ages 8-14. $30. Register at (605) 367-7097.
Soccer Sprouts
sdsoccersprouts.com to register online Spring and Summer Soccer Seasons
Spring: May 5th - June 17th, 7 weeks of soccer on Tuesdays at Laurel Oak Park and Wednesdays at Discovery Elementary School
Summer: July 7th - August 12th, 6 weeks of soccer, done before school starts, on Tuesdays at Laurel Oak Park and Wednesdays at Discovery Elementary School
Ages: 3-10
Price: $83/season for 3-10 yr. olds, 20% multi-child discount Sioux Falls • 605-929-4683
Soccer Sprouts is an education-based youth soccer program that helps children learn the basic fundamentals of soccer through fun games and activities, while also developing their gross and fine motor skills for any kind of physical activity or play. We encourage our Sprouts to be creative, get healthy exercise and build their confidence, while learning new skills with and without a soccer ball. We believe children learn by playing, and we strive to provide them with a solid foundation to enjoy soccer for many years to come.
Swan Lake
We invite you to join us for another fun packed summer at Swan Lake Christian Camp. There will be lots of activities for everyone to enjoy as well as great Bible study sessions which will challenge you to a closer, deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. Designed to build relationships; with God, with counselors who model what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ and with other campers. We believe that all children ought to have the opportunity to experience camp. If you need financial help with the cost of camp, contact the camp office. myslcc.com
Day Camp
Kids experience life as a frontier child in Dakota Ter ritor y. It’s outdoor, educational, and an all around g ood time!
Beaver Creek Nature Area (East of Brandon)
Tues. June 2, 9, 16, 23 (one-day camp)
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Ages 7-12 $35 (605)367-4210
Summer Camps 2026
Tea Time
Lear n about what it meant to be an American child g rowing up over a centur y ag o. Make a craft, tour the historic home, and enjoy tea and treats!
Pettig rew Home & Museum
Wednesday, July 22nd
1 to 4 p.m.
Ages 5-7 $20 (605)367-7097
Victorian Girl Day Camp
Lear n about Victorian tea par ties, play g ames, make fun crafts, and lear n what it was like to be a Victorian Girl!
Pettig rew Home & Museum
Thur sday, July 23rd
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For Gir ls 8-14 $30 (605)367-7097
www.siouxlandmuseums.com
Sylvan Learning of Sioux Falls
At Sylvan, your child will experience significant skill growth in school. We’ve perfected a highly personal approach, tailoring lessons to your child’s specific needs, from math, reading and writing to homework and study skills support to test prep. Whether your child needs to master foundational skills or learn advanced concepts, we provide the supplemental support that leads to greater learning. sylvanlearning.com
Washington Pavilion
The Washington Pavilion offers hands-on experiences that create memorable moments in an amazing, one-of-a-kind environment. Wonderful opportunities for students of all ages to venture into the worlds of art, science, and theatre. washingtonpavilion.org for camp calendar.
Wild Water West/Flamingo Falls Campground
Wild Water West is your ticket to summer fun! Make your reservations at our new Flamingo Falls Campground! Enjoy the latest water and land attractions. Families and adult groups travel from near and far to spend time with us. So throw on a swimsuit, grab a towel and sunscreen, and get in on the action.
YMCA Campers ages 4-15:
Spring: May 5th - June 17th
Summer: July 7th - Aug 12th
Ages: 3-10
$83/season for 3-10 yr olds
Location: Sioux Falls For
becky@sdsoccersprouts.com 605-929-4683
siouxfallsymca.org
ONE SIMPLE THING COULD CHANGE EVERYTHING.
Do What You Love to End ALZ™ lets you turn something you love into a fundraising event to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia. Start a fundraiser and invite members of your community to join. By doing one simple thing, you can change everything. Visit alz.org/dowhatyoulove to get started.
