From a color run to karaoke under the summer sky, Wessington Fun Days once again proved that one small town can pack an entire day's worth of entertainment into a single Saturday.
Held July 17 and 18, the annual celebration drew hundreds of residents, former residents and visitors for a lineup of family friendly events that kept Main Street and the city park bustling from morning until night.
The festivities began with the Color Run, where about 50 runners and walkers made their way through Wessington before many headed to a volleyball tournament and back to Main Street in time for the parade.
Crowds lined the parade route as children eagerly gathered candy tossed from passing entries, setting the tone for another busy day of community celebration.
One of the day's most anticipated traditions came just before the parade, when the fourth annual Turtle Races returned to Main Street. Organized by Brandee Kelsey and Whitney Swartz, the event began four years ago as a way to entertain families before the parade and has quickly become a favorite.
Twenty-eight turtles competed this year, racing four at a time while spectators formed a circle around the makeshift track. Winners received commemorative cups made locally along with inflatable prizes.
Nearby, Vernetta LeGrand and crew from R&B Food Center served root beer floats, with proceeds benefiting the Highmore community as it continues recovering from last month's devastating storm.
The celebration shifted to the city park after the parade, where three food trucks, baseball concessions and a variety of activities kept families busy throughout the afternoon.
Children cooled off on water inflatables, played on playground equipment and enjoyed games while volleyball and little league baseball tournaments filled nearby courts and fields. Adults gathered in the beer garden, sampled Cornerpost Winery wine slushies or stopped by the American Legion for a cocktail tasting.
Those looking for a break from thesummerheatfoundawelcome retreat at the community pie and ice cream social, where homemade pies served by library volunteers filled the fellowship hall while raising funds for the Wessington Library.
The day concluded with a pork loin supper in the park before the crowd returned to Main Street for an evening of karaoke.
While each activity offered something different, together they reflected what has become the hallmark of Wessington Fun Days: an all-day celebration that brings generations together and transforms a small town into a destination for summer fun.