Opening Day celebration kicks off a season of hometown hospitality, shopping specials and more
Wessington Springs is rolling out the orange carpet for pheasant hunters this fall — literally!
The community will kick off the 2026 pheasant hunting season Saturday, Oct. 17, with a special Opening Day celebration on Main Street from 7-9 a.m., featuring an FFA breakfast, giveaways, shopping specials, food samples and activities for hunters and local residents alike.
The celebration coincides with Pheasants Forever's visit to Wessington Springs to film its national “Opening Day” series. Bob St. Pierre, host of Pheasants Forever's “On the Wing” podcast, will record a live podcast and roundtable discussion downtown.
The first 100 people to walk the orange carpet will receive a souvenir koozie and a chance to win prizes, including $250 in Springs Bonus Bucks and a Hometown Basket filled with items from local businesses.
The fun continues with the 37th annual Springs Area Council of the Arts Craft Fair from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at Wessington Springs Elementary School.
But the welcome doesn't end on Opening Day! Throughout pheasant season, Wessington Springs businesses will be ready to greet hunters with shopping specials, great food, hunting supplies and plenty of hometown hospitality.
Whether you're grabbing breakfast before heading to the field, picking up lastminute supplies or unwinding after a successful hunt, make Wessington Springs part of your hunting tradition.
The orange carpet may be rolled up after Opening Day, but the welcome mat stays out all season long!