HANG OUT WITH | SIOUX FALLS SKATEPARK ASSOCIATION

People’s Choice People’s Choice People’s Choice

BEST ENTREPRENEUR

Erika Peterson

of Nerdy Nuts

The small-batch peanut butter company started off as a passion project in Erika Peterson’s kitchen. Not only are her Nerdy Nuts products made with simple ingredients and no preservatives, they’re ever-changing with fun flavors like Autumn Pie Peanut Butter and Circus Cookie Peanut Butter. Peterson sold them at farmers’ markets and local businesses, but blew up once her products were featured in influencers’ TikToks, and she was also featured on Fox Business for election-themed peanut butter. Within 72 hours of the segment, Peterson says she did over $25,000 in sales.

nerdynuts.com BEST SMALL TOWN RESTAURANT

Skogen Kitchen

The people have spoken, and Skogen Kitchen has created a reputation for one of the best dining experiences in South Dakota. The chef-driven concept offers innovative plates by chef Joseph Raney, along with some of the best hospitality by staff and co-owner Eliza Raney. Some favorites include appetizers like the Piquillo Peppers and entrées like the Roasted Beef Cheeks. Tip: Make a reservation as the restaurant has limited seating.

29 North 5th Street, Custer skogenkitchen.com BEST PLACE FOR A FAMILY DAY

D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery & Archives

This year-round attraction was established in 1896 in Spearfish. It is one of the oldest operating hatcheries in the country dedicated to fish culture and resource management. Along with the beautiful nature of The Grounds, visit the Von Bayer Museum of Fish Culture with over 185,000 fishery artifacts, or check out The Booth House with period furnishings of Booth family memorabilia. Families love seeing The Railcar, a replica of Fish Car No. 3, and The Yellowstone Boat. Tip: If it’s open, check out The Pond Gift Shop.

423 Hatchery Circle, Spearfish dcboothfishhatchery.org

Hang Out With SIOUX FALLS SKATEPARK ASSOCIATION

Best Trio for a Cause

by Dawn Geertsema

“THROUGH OUR PARTNERSHIP WITH THE SIOUX FALLS PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT, THE SIOUX

FALLS SKATEPARK ASSOCIATION (SFSA)

IS WORKING TO CREATE A CONCRETE SKATEPARK,” SAID ALIX JOHNSON, A VOLUNTEER WITH THE SFSA. “OUR PROJECT WILL ULTIMATELY BE A GIFT TO THE CITY, SO THERE’S A LOT OF MOVING PARTS THAT ALL TAKE TIME.”

FOR THE LAST FIVE YEARS, THE SFSA HAS BEEN SUPPORTING THE EFFORT TO BRING ANOTHER VALUABLE SPACE TO THE COMMUNITY.

“There’s been a push for a concrete skatepark for a long time, which a lot of our crew has been a part of and focused on providing an inclusive environment for our community to enjoy,” said Johnson. “We came together as a perfect storm of commitment, compassion, and drive.”

The group is working through their Community Appeals Campaign to reach their financial goals for the park. They are also partnering with the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce to reach a diverse audience and bring attention to the project. Construction on the park is anticipated to happen in 2023, near the intersection of Cliff Avenue and 10th Street.

“In the meantime, we will continue to interact with our community through skate lessons and events,” said Johnson.

Get to know a few of the minds supporting SFSA, Johnson, Les Cotton, and Walter Portz, to learn more.

LES COTTON

Artistic Outlets

Art, design, and illustration are how my brain finds peace, but also anxiety—balance.

Try, Try Again

Skateboarding has taught me to get back up and not stop trying. When I get to skate, [the places I frequent] would be the Drake Springs Skateboard Park or my friend’s park, Siouxer Skateboards.

“With my talents in design and art, I want them to look as professional as possible, so they can be a successful business.” -Les Cotton explains how small businesses can improve.

To the Beat of the Drums

I listen to anything from hip hop to country. Hot on my list now are Modest Mouse, IDLES, MF DOOM, CZARFACE, Aesop Rock, Ty Segall, Billy Strings, and Parquet Courts.

Blooming Businesses

I want our community to grow, strive, and be rad. Whatever I can do to help, I do it with my heart on fire. We have so many talented people in town with their own dreams of making something for themselves. I want the mom ‘n’ pop shops to rule all.

ALIX JOHNSON

There’s been a push for a concrete skatepark for a long time, which a lot of our crew has been a part of. We came “ together as a perfect storm of commitment, compassion, and drive.” -Alix Johnson

Bumps in the Night

I’m also a member of the Minnehaha County Abandoned Cemeteries Board; we’re a group of volunteers who oversee the maintenance and preservation of over a dozen cemeteries in our county. Sometimes, things get spooky… but mostly it’s a lot of weed wacking.

Riding the Rails

I try to get to as many Sioux Valley Model Engineers Society events as possible. No, I don’t have kids, nor am I an aunt. Trains are just rad, and their enthusiasts are some of the most welcoming and interesting people I’ve encountered.

The Outsider[s]

I actually don’t skate. My involvement with SFSA has stemmed from the art, ideology, and cultural benefits of skateboarding, along with the lifelong friendships I’ve built along the way. Most of my youth, I served as the lookout at skate spots, so I consider creating this skatepark as a natural progression. Plus, the more work I put in for SFSA, the more our crew can skate.

Grow as We Go

I’ve lived and worked downtown since 2004 and have loved seeing the heart of our community transform. Watching my friends open or refine their business endeavors and seeing them thrive makes my heart go pitter-patter.

Keep Up With SFSA

Facebook: /lets.skate.sioux.falls Instagram: @skate.sfsd