Wessington Springs celebrated South Dakota's pheasant hunting opener with a weekend of activities that began Friday evening with the local Pheasants Forever banquet.
On Saturday morning, the community rolled out the orange carpet on Main Street to welcome locals and visitors while the cameras rolled for Pheasants Forever's national "Opening Day" series.
Although cold temperatures and blustery winds kept attendance down for the inaugural event, the show went on as Pheasants Forever's Bob St. Pierre hosted a roundtable discussion and podcast recording.
The Wessington Springs FFA moved its annual breakfast from the ag shop to Main Street this year, where students served up heaping plates of pancakes, sausage and eggs.
Local businesses embraced the occasion, opening early and offering specials, samples and giveaways.
Later Saturday, the SACOTA Craft Fair drew one of its largest turnouts in recent years, with more than 40 vendors and a steady stream of shoppers.
From conservation and hunting traditions to Main Street hospitality and a bustling craft fair, the weekend showcased the community cohesion that makes Wessington Springs special — on season opener and year round.