HANG OUT WITH | MAJA CROMWELL

Maja Cromwell

By Dawn Geertsema

Maja Cromwell—like a lot of professionals in the pandemic—has learned to pivot. Cromwell works with Main Street Square and Downtown Rapid City as marketing and media director, spending much of her recent time on the job reorganizing and retooling upcoming events to follow social distancing guidelines, like the Frühlingsfest + Spring Market on June 20 (more info on page 11).

Cromwell offers a peek into her life, including her love for plants, upcoming events, and her seafood obsession.

Escape the Noise When I need to turn off the internal noise, I walk downtown. In the summer, we install 132 planters and hanging baskets in the area. It’s a lovely way to relax and take in the beauty of our downtown. I make a point to visit Art Alley to check out any new pieces that may be up. It’s truly a gift to watch the visitors as well, to glimpse a happy memory that they’ll cherish forever, and to be part of that makes any anxieties melt away.

I also manage the Downtown Business Group, and popping in to visit business owners has become one of the most rewarding aspects of my career. Passions for Plants and Pets I feel very passionate about plants and our environment, so I like to do my part to help. Victoria’s Garden’s “Flower Goddesses” will not only make you the most beautiful arrangements but they also have an amazing selection of plants and yard decorations. They also have three shop kitties, a pup, and a repurposed tub full of goldfish. A visit to their shop can brighten even the darkest of days.

Seafood Satisfaction Being from California, I am a huge seafood lover. Dakota Seafood on Jackson Boulevard has the best fresh and sustainably farmed selection of seafood—as well as already prepared meal items.

If I’m not feeling up to cooking, the Vertex Sky Bar has the most wonderful Drunken Clams, and they come with a picturesque, roof-top view. Pro-tip: I like mine with extra lemon. However, if you’re visiting with a surf and turf group, we always bring our friends and family to Delmonico Grill. Their wall art and atmosphere is one of a kind, and their scallops are the best I’ve ever had. Under the South Dakotan Sunset As any good South Dakotan knows, we have some of the most beautiful sunsets. One of my favorite activities is to join the community at Main Street Square for our Golden Hour Live concerts for music, brews, and snacks. I truly enjoy any and all of the events we throw at Main Street Square: Cruiser Car Show, Bridal Fair, Kids’ Carnival, Pumpkin Festival, Bierbörse, and Winter Market are just a few.

5 Random Facts

» Right behind my passion for the Downtown Business Group is my love of costume designing. I hope to come back one day as Adam Savage (famous special effects and costume designer). » » I’m a repeat movie watcher and an ‘80s fantasy die-hard. I’ve seen The Lost Boys, Labyrinth, and Legend all at least 75 times. Really, just ask my college roommates. » » Patti Smith’s autobiography, Just Kids, is hands down the most beautifully written book I’ve ever read. I give it as a gift often and always recommend tissues for the end. » » I will ride The Zipper any chance I get. I am a nut for carnival rides and roller coaster parks. Since we don’t have any roller coasters parks here, I get my adrenaline boost at Rushmore Tramway Adventures in Keystone. I love their Zipline Tour, Alpine Slide, and scenic chairlift. » » I’m a Shiba Inu fanatic. We have two Shibas, Nieko, who just turned 11, and Odette, who is 4 months old. I will talk all day, every day about them, their cute curly tails, and their white eyelashes. I’m actually a little proud of myself for making it to the end before mentioning them.

Date Night and Dino-SOURs Hay Camp Brewing Company often brings in really distinct and amusing entertainment that my fiancé and I love to attend. I’m not much of a beer drinker (they have wine, too) but everyone is always raving about their Dino-SOUR pale ale, which is also going to be included in our Frühlingsfest variety packs. Their staff is a collection of some of the funniest, silliest, and most genuine characters you’ll meet.

Drinks and Disc Golf Another stop we always take our visiting friends and family to is Prairie Berry Winery and Miner Brewing Company. The two share a lawn where you can grab a bite to eat and play bocce ball or disc golf. I’m partial to their Buffaloberry Fusion, but another fan favorite is the Red Ass Rhubarb.

Channel Your Inner Child I have a lot of littles in my life and like to think of myself as young at heart, as well. I always get gifts from Who’s Toy House. Not only do they gift wrap for free (cute bows included), but the store itself is magical. They have one of only three Superplexus Circles in the world (Superplexus is a 3D marble labyrinth), a giant T-Rex sculpture, and a glow room.

A Rainy Day in Rapid City Every year the Elks Theatre has a Nostalgia Night Film Series. This last year they played my favorite rainy-day movie, Breakfast at Tiffany’s. The theatre opened back in 1912 and was Rapid City’s first opera house. A lot of the original architecture is still in place making it exceptionally stunning.

Soaking in the Love A little day getaway that my friends and I frequent is Moccasin Springs Natural Mineral Spa down in Hot Springs. Soaking in the natural springs is a great way to decompress. They also offer different kinds of massages and spa treatments. My fiancé took me there the day he proposed, so it holds a really special place in my heart.

Dance to Body Positivity If you know me, you know I’m an animated goofball. Studio Disco is a really fun and unique space dedicated to shows, dancing, instructing, and rehearsing. It is by far one of the most body positive spots in Rapid City and really allows me to be myself—be it at one of their classes or a show. If you’re looking for an inclusive space where you’re celebrated for being yourself, you should check them out.