When it comes to the annual New Year’s Eve fireworks show in Wessington Springs, the lack of precipitation this winter was a major cause for concern for display organizers: without more snow, the show wouldn’t go on this year.
However, due to morning rain and continuing snowfall throughout the afternoon, Monday, December 30, the Jerauld County Commissioners lifted the burn ban originally set in place in October 2024. The added precipitation makes the community fireworks show over Wessington Springs’ south gulch an official “go” for New Year’s Eve.
The best view to ring in the New Year with a bang, can be found in the American Legion parking lot, the Amkota parking lot and atop Lookout Hill.
Show history
What began as a friendly Wessington Springs neighborhood fireworks challenge four years ago has evolved into a show-stopping fireworks display for the whole community to help usher in the New Year.
It all started when South Gulch neighbors Jarrod and Jacki Bultsma and Dennis and Sandy Beckman joked about holding a fireworks challenge after the Bultsmas sent up quite a few rockets during Fourth of July 2020.
“Sandy texted me saying they enjoyed our fireworks and that next Independence Day we should hold a neighborly competition,” recalls Jacki. “I suggested, how about New Year’s Eve since they are legal then — plus fireworks sound awesome echoing through the draw in the winter.”
Having stocked up on fireworks specifically for this occasion, the neighbors, along with Jason and Cristin Weber and family are ready to continue the tradition yet again this New Year’s Eve at 6 p.m.