Rodeo action, a community parade, turtle races, fireworks and a full day of family activities are planned as Wessington Springs prepares to celebrate Independence Day.
Festivities begin Thursday, July 2, with the Foothills Rodeo Queen Contest at 1 p.m. and the Foothills SDRA Rodeo at 7 p.m. at the Jerauld County Fairgrounds.
Events continue Friday, July 3, with rodeo slack, the Red, White and Blue Golf Tournament, a sidewalk chalk contest, the grand opening of the Spring Valley Colony Farmers Market and another evening rodeo performance.
The celebration culminates Saturday, July 4, with the annual Avenue of Flags raising, a community parade at 2 p.m., open houses, food specials, water games, a youth micro derby, turtle races, a community meal and fireworks at dusk.
Organizers note that barrel racing, which appeared on some early Fourth of July schedules, has been removed from Saturday's lineup.
The parade theme this year is 'Founding Fathers.' Organizers encourage parade participants to register in advance through the Wessington Springs Area Chamber and Development Facebook page or sign up during lineup on College Avenue prior to the parade.
Foothills Bible Fellowship and Avera Health will also provide a comfort station for parade participants during lineup on College Avenue. Restrooms and drinking water will be available to help participants stay hydrated before the parade begins. For more information, contact Pastor Don at 605-999-4477.
A complete, full-color pullout schedule of events made possible through the support of area businesses, organizations and individuals is included in this edition of the True Dakotan. Readers are encouraged to save the schedule and keep it handy throughout the holiday weekend.