Camping is an opportunity for individuals of all ages to venture into the great outdoors. Camping can be an immersive outdoor activity that includes hiking, cooking and sightseeing, all in a single, memorable trip.
According to KOA’s 2021 Annual North American Report, more than 70 percent of North American campers changed their camping habits in 2020. First-time campers increased fivefold between 2019 and 2020, and experts note the pandemic likely had a great deal to do with that spike.
Even though camping seems like a relatively easy activity, firsttime or novice campers should familiarize themselves with some of the basics of camping before embarking on their trips. Camping beginners can consider these tips to make the most of their time in the great outdoors.
If you have a backyard, practice setting up a tent and other camping equipment in the yard first so this becomes second nature by the time you reach the campsite. Sleep outside in the yard and learn the sounds of nature to get a feel for camping, including spending time in a sleeping bag. It’s a lot easier to make initial adjustments in the backyard as opposed to at the campsite.
Novices may want to camp in warm weather first. This way you will not have to purchase a lot of gear just to keep warm. In addition, you’ll have more daylight to set up your tent and enjoy long evenings outside.
Try out gear before you purchase anything to figure out what you need. The experts at REI say that if budget allows, go bigger on the tent to give occupants a little more wiggle room, such as a six-person tent for a family of four. Experiment with sleeping bags with different temperature ratings so you’ll be able to gauge just how hot or cold you’ll be inside of them.
Visit a campsite by tagging along with an avid camper to see what others use. You’ll need to bring all of your supplies, so find out how people pack light and how they differentiate between necessities and luxuries. You’ll likely want foldable camp chairs, lanterns, camp cooking utensils, a cooler, and a camp stove. If you camp at an established campsite, there may be grills or designated areas for campfires.
Camping is an enjoyable pastime that has inspired scores of devoted campers across the globe. Novices can learn the basics and then expand on their camping knowledge with each ensuing adventure.
Outdoor movie nights can be a great way to spend warm evenings with friends and loved ones. The guest list is only limited by the seating you have, and even then, movie watchers easily can sit on picnic blankets, making it simple to host a crowd.
Movie nights outdoors may be different than those in a theater or living room, but certain must-have items are no less important. No movie night under the stars is complete without these essentials.
A screen and a way to project the movie are must-haves for any outdoor movie night. Projectors should be small enough that they can be carried outside, but large enough to emit enough light to fill the screen. Options range anywhere from $400 and up for quality projectors.
Screens run the gamut from inflatable and free-standing options to white sheets hung from a clothesline. A dedicated screen will be more stable and look better, but it all comes down to budget.
A portable speaker can be moved anywhere you need it. A speaker with an auxiliary input enables you to hook it up to your video source so that the audio-video synchronization is top notch. After all, wireless connections may lag. The speaker will be functional for movie nights as well as music and entertainment for any outdoor event going forward. If your yard is large, you may need more than one speaker.
Individuals have various options for media players. Small players can plug directly into projectors and are the easiest sources for backyard movies if the Wi-Fi signal in the yard is strong. You also may be able to connect a mobile phone or laptop/tablet into the projector, relying on those devices to stream content.
Folding camp chairs are portable and can be stored for guests who prefer being off the ground for movie nights. Otherwise, thick, waterproof blankets enable guests to spread out while watching movies outdoors. They’re also great for kids who are liable to spend a portion of the time watching the movie, but much of it running around the yard.
Kernels, oil and heat are the perfect combination for producing movie-theater-worthy popcorn. Place plenty of reusable popcorn containers nearby so guests can bring their bounty back to their seats. Canned beverages with straws also are portable and pair well with popcorn for a great movie experience.
Outdoor stringed lighting adds ambiance and safety to a space. However, you also may want to consider using some solar-powered staked lights on the ground to map out aisles and make it easier for guests to navigate the yard in the dark.
These basics can get anyone started on hosting regular outdoor movie nights.
Few things embody a summertime vibe better than a day spent soaking up the sun and enjoying a warm breeze in the great outdoors. Warm weather and generally dry conditions are one reason why summer is so popular among vacationers. Even individuals who can’t get away on vacation this summer can still look to the weekend as a great time to hit the road or the friendly skies for weekend getaways.
Convenience and proximity are two selling points when choosing weekend getaway destinations. The following are some weekend getaway ideas that are tailor-made for summer fun.
The pandemic forced millions of baseball fans to stay home as their favorite team battled it out on the diamond. No fans were allowed during the shortened 2020 season, and the 2021 season began with many teams allowing only limited attendance. Some fans might not have felt comfortable returning to packed stadiums last summer. Now that attendance restrictions have been lifted, what better way to enjoy America’s pastime than in person? Take a weekend to follow your favorite team on the road or visit a stadium you’ve never been to. Many ballparks are now surrounded by great restaurants and five-star hotels, making a ballpark trip an ideal way to experience a new city in style.
No matter where you live, a body of water is no doubt nearby.
Though the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration indicates that roughly 40 percent of the United States population lives in a coastal region, oceans aren’t the only places to find some sand and enjoy a warm summer breeze. Lakes and rivers are great places to relax, and getaway seekers can utilize sites like Airbnb and Vrbo to find short-term waterfront rentals.
Big cities tend to clear out on summer weekends, which can make this an ideal time to visit. City visitors won’t have to contend with the sizable crowds that descend on metropolises in winter, when indoor entertainment is in high demand. That means savvy travelers also may find discounts on live theater and local concerts. It also won’t be as difficult to book reservations at the latest culinary hotspots, particularly for travelers who book early.
Skiing might be the furthest thing on people’s minds in summer. However, skiing hotspots can make for the ideal summer getaways for individuals looking for a quiet respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Instead of traversing slopes on skis, visitors can hike their way through the mountains before retiring to their resort for a more laid back evening of relaxation.
There’s no wrong way to get away. Summer travelers who don’t have much time to escape can look to some unique weekend getaway ideas and enjoy a relaxing taste of something new.
1
1. In a blender, add the strawberries and the honey to a food processor or blender, and pulse a few times to combine.
2. In a separate bowl whisk together the coconut milk (or dairy of choice) and the remaining 1/4 cup honey, adding more or less honey as needed, to taste. The sweetness will mellow once frozen. tir in the vanilla.
3. To make the layered swirled look spoon a tablespoon or two of the strawberry mixture into the bottom of each popsicle mold. Top with a bit of the cream, and continue layering until all the molds are evenly filled. Freeze until set, about 5 hours. After 30 minutes in the freezer, place a popsicle stick in each pop, and continue freezing.
4. To remove each popsicle from the mold: Place the popsicle mold in a warm cup of water for 10-15 seconds, then gently pull on the popsicle stick until the popsicle releases from the mold.
Warm weather means more time to relax outdoors. For those homeowners lucky enough to have entertaining spaces outside, spring and summer provides plenty of opportunities to enjoy fresh air under the sun or stars.
Over the last few years, families have become especially familiar with what works about their yards and where there is room for improvement. Pandemic-related travel restrictions and early stayat-home mandates resulted in plenty of time spent in backyards on staycations. Even though many such restrictions have been lifted, homeowners may have seen the benefits of having functional respites right outside their doors.
A backyard renovation can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $50,000. The American Society of Landscape Architects suggests homeowners budget the cost of a major landscaping project at between 5 and 10 percent of their home’s value. Large or small, here are ways to make an outdoor oasis at home.
Living in close proximity to neighbors may make privacy harder to come by. Wood or vinyl fences, however effective, may not provide the all-natural look many people desire. Vertical gardening, which trains easy-care vines like English ivy, Clematis or various climbing roses to grow on trellis or fencing adds greenery and privacy. Hedges and fast-growing shrubs also can be used for natural barriers.
Pools are the ultimate spots to cool off on hot days. An elaborately shaped inground pool can blend in with the landscape and offer the ultimate hang-out zone. However, above-ground pools
also serve the purpose and are more budget-friendly. Stock tank pools are popular among those who want minimal pool expenditure or have small spaces to work with. Stock tanks are metal vessels traditionally used as watering holes for livestock. They also can be “adult kiddie pools” when combined with some plumbing. Galvanized steel frames make them sturdy. With floats and other accessories, they can become the perfect oasis.
Create a bespoke bistro vibe by using freestanding planters and posts along with hanging lights to make an intimate outdoor hangout spot at night. For those with permanent structures, like a deck or a gazebo, lights can be strung across the area or on railings or edging.
Decks and patios can help make outdoor entertaining areas more comfortable by eliminating the need to sit on the grass or gravel. Plus, they add another “room” to the home. When paired with weatherproof patio furniture, such as sofas, loungers and tables, a private seating area can be crafted and utilized for any number of entertaining desires.
Few things evoke feelings of relaxation better than a hammock. Fitted between two trees (or two posts if trees are sparse), a hammock is an ideal place to grab a nap or read a book.
Additional oasis-inspired ideas include outdoor kitchens, letting up lanterns, cascading water features, and bird feeders to attract the sounds of nature.
Homeowners enjoy gardening for many different reasons. In addition to adding beauty to a property, gardens can offset grocery costs by yielding tasty produce. They also offer important habitats and food sources for both insects and animals.
While growing a vegetable or flower garden can turn into a rewarding hobby, or even a passion, gardening also can be overwhelming — particularly when the results are less than stellar. Novice gardeners have scores of resources at their disposal, including the advice of gardeners who have made mistakes and learned from them. The following guidance can make home gardens that much more successful.
You may have visions of an expansive garden growing rows of crops or acres of flowers. But it is smart to start small and build on what you find successful, which includes plants that thrive in your lawn and garden.
This also is beneficial if you are unsure of vegetable yields. Several blooming plants producing bushels of crops can be overwhelming, especially if you can’t get to harvesting or cooking them in a timely fashion.
Plants need nutrient-rich soil to encourage extensive root systems and produce strong, hardy plants, according to the gardening resource GrowVeg. Nourish soil with organic matter, such as manure, compost, shredded leaves, and natural mulch. Add this organic matter in the off-season to give it enough time to be incorporated into the ground before spring. You can have your soil tested for pH and other characteristics that make it friendly or averse to plants at a local garden center.
Do you know how deeply to plant seeds and how far apart to space plants? Are you aware of the sunlight needs of certain flowers or plants? If not, read the packaging and do your research so your plants have the best chance of not only sprouting, but also surviving. Many people prefer to start seedlings indoors in late winter and then transfer those plants outdoors when they are stronger and more established.
Watch the way the sunlight dances over areas of your landscape. Take note of which areas get the most sun and shade. This will help you plan what to plant and where to plant it. Vegetable gardens tend to need ample sunlight to bear pick-worthy produce. You can give plants a leg up by growing them in optimal conditions.
Certain plants have been bred to thrive in your climate, including heat-tolerant plants for climates with sweltering summer sun. Consult with a local gardening center to figure out which plant zone you are in and which plants will do best within that zone.
Rainwater contains fewer contaminants and additives than tap water, which can benefit garden plants. Collect rainwater in rain barrels and use irrigation systems to deliver it to the garden.
Home gardens can yield many gifts, from flowers to fruit. Beginners can utilize some time-tested strategies to increase their chances of planting a successful garden.
Summer weekends wouldn’t be the same without backyard barbecues. And no backyard barbecue is complete without hamburgers.
The exact origins of the hamburger are unknown, but historians believe this beloved staple of American barbecues can be traced to mid-nineteenth century Germany. According to History.com, political revolutions in Germany in the 1840s spurred many Germans to emigrate to the United States. Germans brought many of their cultural traditions with them, including their cuisine. One such dish was the chopped steak, which can be traced to Hamburg, a city renowned for its high-quality beef. Though few might now see ground beef as a remedy for digestive issues, that was a common belief in the 1860s, when a New York-based doctor named James Salisbury suggested that cooked beef patties could benefit the digestive system as much as chopped, chipped or ground beef. Buns were not yet in the picture at that time, but they were by 1904, when beef patties on buns were available at the St. Louis World’s Fair. In 1921, the first White Castle restaurant opened in Kansas, and hamburgers have been a staple of American cuisine ever since.
Though it’s been a century since White Castle opened its first restaurant, people are still perfecting the art of making the perfect hamburger. Exactly what defines the perfect hamburger may be open to debate, but there’s no denying the desirability of juicy burgers. As grillmasters prepare for another season of backyard barbecues, the following are some ways they can make their burgers more juicy.
Extra-lean meat might be healthier than the alternatives, but 93 percent lean ground beef is unlikely to produce juicy burgers. When making burgers from scratch, opt for 80 percent lean. WebMD notes that fat helps to hold burgers together while searing and cooking the meat. The result is a more juicy interior than cooks are likely to get when using lean meats.
Cookbook author John Holl notes in his book, “The American Craft Beer Cookbook” (Storey), that substituting ground beef with ground lamb makes for a juicier burger. Lamb is moist, so unlike lean beef, it can be grilled as well-done without drying out. Lamb also offers a different taste than beef, adding a little variety to a backyard barbecue.
Flipping the burgers too much or pressing them against the grill as they cook can dry them out.
Carryover cooking time refers to the length of time temperature in a food continues to rise even after it’s been removed from a cooking area. Beef is among the many foods that continue to cook after being removed from a heat source, so beef burgers can be removed from the grill before they reach the desired cooking temperature. This prevents drying out and ensures that once they’re served, the burgers will be juicy and safe to eat.
the Stargazing iS amazing.
South Dakota covers over 77,000 square miles, and given that it’s one of the least populated states in the US, there’s minimal light pollution. Translation: epic views of the night sky. On moonless nights, the Milky Way is clearly defined among the thousands of stars visible with the naked eye, especially in Badlands National Park, which features some of the darkest skies in the nation. The park hosts astronomy festivals every year, where you can get magnified views of the planets and nearby galaxies using the park’s telescopes.
And you can sleep in a covered wagon there, Little House on the Prairie-style. The town also has a one-room schoolhouse where you can wear a bonnet and play school, make a corn husk doll, and pretend to be a little Wilder.
laura ingallS wilder’S daughter waS born near de Smet, Sd.
the higheSt Summit eaSt of the roCkieS iS in South dakota.
At 7,242 feet above sea level, Harney Peak in the Black Hills gets you the same views the stone presidents at Mount Rushmore see (they’re located just three miles down the road). After you’ve explored Harney and the old fire lookout tower at the top, make a loop through the Needles’ granite spires on your way to the most famous landmark in South Dakota — yep, we’re talking about those presidents again.
Then, 17 miles east in nearby Custer County, visit the Crazy Horse Memorial. Dedicated to the legendary leader of the Oglala Lakota, the massive monument has been a work in progress since 1948, and it’ll be the largest mountain carving in the world when completed.
FOR THE COOKIE CAKE:
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 cup M&Ms Use patriotic M&Ms for the 4th of July
• 1/2 cup “jimmie” sprinkles use red & white for the 4th of July
FOR THE FROSTING:
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream or milk
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9” round cake pan with foil and spray with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Make the cookie cake: Beat butter and sugar with a hand or a stand mixer until creamy. Beat in egg and vanilla, then mix in baking soda, salt, and cream of tartar. Slowly mix in flour. Stir in M&Ms and sprinkles.
3. Press batter into prepared pan, pressing more M&Ms onto the top as desired. Bake for 19-22 minutes or until the edges are just turning a light golden brown. It’s better to under bake this dough than over bake it. The cake will continue cooking a bit as it cools so err on the side of underdone for the best tasting cookie. Let it cool completely before frosting.
4. Make the frosting: beat butter until smooth, then slowly beat in powdered sugar until crumbly. Add salt and vanilla, then add 1 tablespoon of heavy whipping cream. Beat until smooth, adding more a teaspoon at a time to get a spreadable texture.
5. To frost: use a 1M tip and a ziplock or piping bag to decorate the cookie cake. Top with more sprinkles and M&Ms.
6. Store loosely covered for up to 2 days.
june 2-5
Huron, SD WHEEL JAM wheeljam.com
june 3-4 Flandreau, SD FLANDREAU RODEO DAYS royalrivercasino.com
june 3-4 Huron, SD ORIGINAL SD BBQ CHAMPIONSHIPS 2022 wheeljam.com
june 3-5
Fort Sisseton State Park FORT SISSETON HISTORICAL FESTIVAL gfp.sd.gov
june 4 Statewide NATIONAL TRAILS DAY gfp.sd.gov
june 4-5
Sioux Falls, SD Siouxland RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL siouxlandrenfest.com
june 4-5
Tracy, MN BURGERS, BANDS & BREW tracyevents.com
june 5 Madison, SD MISS PRAIRIE VILLAGE/ MISS PRAIRIE PRINCESS PAGEANT prairievillage.org
june 7 Brookings, SD SUMMER PERFORMANCE SERIES: KYLE KNUTSON southdakotaartmuseum.com
june 8-11 Brookings, SD “THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG” AT SDSU prairierep.org
june 10 Madison, SD NORTHERN BULL RIDING TOUR prairievillage.org
june 10-12 Brookings, SD BROOKINGS SWIM CLUB INVITATIONAL Brookings Swim on FB
june 14-18
Tea, SD TEAPOT DAYS teasd.com
june 9-12 Harrisburg, SD HARRISBURG DAYS harrisburgdays.com
june 10-12
Volga, SD OLD TIMERS CELEBRATION VOLGA OLD TIMERS DAY Committee on FB
june 11 Arlington, SD CITY-WIDE RUMMAGE SALES arlingtonsd.com
june 11 Sioux Falls, SD 26TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF CULTURES Festival of Cultures on FB
june 11 Madison, SD LUCE PIONEER DAY gfp.sd.gov
june 11 Statewide NATIONAL GET OUTDOORS DAY gfp.sd.gov/
june 11 Yankton, SD YANKTON RIBFEST yanktonribfest.com
june 11-12
DeSmet, SD OLD SETTLERS DAY desmetsd.com
june 11-12
Aberdeen, SD FAMILY FUN WEEKEND AT STORYBOOK LAND aberdeen.sd.us
june 11-12
Emery, SD EMERY FUN DAYS City of Emery on FB
june 12
Brookings, SD BROOKINGS ANNUAL CAR SHOW brookingscarshow.org
june 14
Brookings, SD SUMMER PERFORMANCE SERIES: SDSU JAZZ QUINTET southdakotaartmuseum.com
june 15-18 Brookings, SD “PETER AND THE STARCATCHER” AT SDSU prairierep.org
june 16 Aberdeen, SD SUMMER CONCERT SERIES DOWNTOWN aberdeendowntown.org
june 16-18
Tabor, SD CZECH DAYS taborczechdays.com
june 16-19 Brookings, SD SDQHA SHOOTOUT AQHA SHOW swiftelcenter.com
june 16-19
Vermillion, SD SOUTH DAKOTA SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL sdshakespearefestival.org
june 16-19
Pipestone, MN CALUMET PLAYERS “NUNSENSE: THE MUSICAL” pipestoneperformingartscenter.com
june 16-19
Hartford, SD JAMBOREE DAYS hartfordsdchambe.org
june 17-18
Ipswich, SD IPSWICH TRAIL DAYS ipswichtraildays.com
june 17-18
Pierre, SD OAHE DAYS oahedays.com
june 17-18
Estelline, SD RODEO DAYS estellinerodeo.com
june 17-19
Lake Benton, MN SADDLE HORSE HOLIDAY lakebenton.us
june 17-19
Garretson, SD JESSE JAMES DAYS visitgarretson.com
june 17-19
Lake Benton, MN SADDLE HORSE HOLIDAY lakebenton.us
june 17-19
Huron, SD ANTIQUE POWER SHOW huronsd.com
june 17-19
Garretson, SD JESSE JAMES DAYS visitgarretson.com
june 18
Brookings, SD SIOUX RIVER ABATE RIDE THROUGH skinnerspub.com
june 18
Sioux Falls, SD 605 SUMMER CLASSIC BEER & MUSIC FESTIVAL 605magazine.com
june 18
Madison, SD HOLY ROCKA ROLLAZ CONCERT prairievillage.org
june 18-19
Brookings, SD KITE & BIKE FESTIVAL Brookings Kite Festival on FB
june 18-19
Aberdeen, SD ARTS IN THE PARK aberdeenareaartscouncil.com
june 19
Statewide FATHER’S DAY OPEN HOUSE AT STATE PARKS gfp.sd.gov
june 21
Brookings, SD SUMMER PERFORMANCE SERIES: SEQUOIA CROSSWHITE & THE MODERN DAY WARRIOR BAND southdakotaartmuseum.com
june 22-25
Brookings, SD “THE CEMETERY CLUB” AT SDSU prairierep.org
june 22-25
Clear Lake, SD 76TH ANNUAL CRYSTAL SPRINGS RODEO crystalspringsrodeo.com
june 23-26
Pipestone, MN CALUMET PLAYERS “NUNSENSE: THE MUSICAL” pipestoneperformingartscenter.com
june 23-25
Pipestone, MN ANNUAL WATER TOWER FESTIVAL Water Tower Festival on FB
june 24
Watertown, SD SIPPIN’ SAFARI AT BRAMBLE PARK ZOO brambleparkzoo.com
june 24
Vermillion, SD DALESBURG MIDSUMMER FESTIVAL dalesburg.org
june 24-26
Brookings, SD BROOKINGS COMMUNITY GAMES 2022 cityofbrookings-sd.gov/ communitygames
june 24-26 Murdo to Mt. Vernon SCAVENGER’S JOURNEY scavengersjourney.com
june 24-26
Dell Rapids, SD QUARRY DAYS dellrapidschamber.com/ quarry-days
june 26
Madison, SD PRAIRIE VILLAGE VARIETY SHOW prairievillage.org
july 1-2
Gary, SD THE GARY RODEO Gary Rodeo on FB
july 1-4
Hendricks, MN HENDRICKS SUMMERFEST hendricksmn.net
july 2-3 Mitchell, SD ARCHEOLOGY AWARENESS DAYS mitchellindianvillage.org
july 2-4 Sisseton, SD 155TH ANNUAL SISSETON WAHPETON WACIPI POWWOW swo-nsn.gov
july 2-4
Mobridge, SD SITTING BULL STAMPEDE RODEO mobridgeoutdoors.com
july 3 Mina, SD MINA LAKE FREEDOM FESTIVAL Mina Lake on FB
july 4 Brookings, SD UNCLE SAM JAM AT SWIFTEL CENTER brookingschamber.org
july 4
Watertown, SD FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION watertownsd.com
july 4 Huron, SD FOURTH OF JULY PARADE huronsd.com
july 4 Lake Norden, SD COMMUNITY BBQ & INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION lakenorden.gov
july 4 Aberdeen, SD WYLIE PARK 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION visitaberdeensd.com
july 4
Flandreau, SD ROYAL RIVER 4TH OF JULY FIREWORKS royalriver.com
july 6-9 Brookings, SD “FOOTLOOSE” AT SDSU prairierep.org
july 8-9
Walnut Grove, MN WILDER PAGEANT walnutgrove.org
july 8-10 DeSmet, SD Laura Ingalls Wilder Pageant desmetpageant.com
july 9 Madison, SD VENTRILOQUIST DAVID MALMBERG prairievillage.org
july 9-10
Brookings, SD ANNUAL BROOKINGS SUMMER ARTS FESTIVAL bsaf.com
july 10 Groton, SD LIONS CLUB 6TH ANNUAL SUMMER FEST/CAR SHOW city.grotonsd.gov
july 12 Brookings, SD SUMMER PERFORMANCE SERIES: DR. AARON RAGSDALE southdakotaartmuseum.com
july 14 Aberdeen, SD SUMMER CONCERT SERIES DOWNTOWN aberdeendowntown.org
july 14-17
Mitchell, SD CORN PALACE STAMPEDE RODEO cornpalacestampede.com
july 14-17
Viborg, SD DANISH DAYS danishdays.org
july 15-16 Walnut Grove, MN WILDER PAGEANT walnutgrove.org
july 15-16 Edgerton, MN ANNUAL DUTCH FESTIVAL edgertonmn.com
july 15-16 Aberdeen, SD STORYBOOK LAND FESTIVAL AT WYLIE PARK aberdeen.sd.us
july 15-16 Aberdeen, SD DOWNTOWN SUMMER CRAZY DAYS aberdeendowntown.org
july 15-16
Watertown, SD COOKIN’ ON KAMPESKABBQ COOK-OFF cookinonkampeska.com
july 15-17 White, SD PIONEER DAYS Pioneer Days White SD on FB
july 15-17
Lake Preston, SD LAKE PRESTON TOWN & COUNTRY DAYS lakeprestonsd.com
july 15-17 DeSmet, SD LAURA INGALLS WILDER PAGEANT desmetpageant.com
july 19
Brookings, SD
SUMMER PERFORMANCE SERIES: STARR CHIEF EAGLE HOOP DANCING WITH LIVE DRUM southdakotaartmuseum.com
july 19 Madison, SD DOWNTOWN IN MADTOWN: IVORY chamberofmadisonsd.com
july 21
Brookings, SD DOWNTOWN AT SUNDOWN downtownatsundown.org
july 21-24
Lake Benton, MN LAKE BENTON OPERA HOUSE MUSICAL “NEWSIES” lakebenton.us
july 22-23
Walnut Grove, MN WILDER PAGEANT walnutgrove.org
july 22-24
DeSmet, SD LAURA INGALLS WILDER PAGEANT desmetpageant.com
july 22-24
Tyler, MN AEBLESKIVER DAYS Aebleskiver Days Celebration on FB
july 23 Madison, SD TONIC SOL FA prairievillage.org
july 23 Watertown, SD FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL AT BRAMBLE PARK ZOO brambleparkzoo.com
july 23
Yankton, SD ROCK-N-RUMBLE MOTORCYCLE RALLY Rock ‘n’ Rumble Yankton on FB
july 26
Brookings, SD SUMMER PERFORMANCE SERIES: JAS QUINTET southdakotaartmuseum.com
july 26 Madison, SD DOWNTOWN IN MADTOWN: SOC JUKEBOX chamberofmadisonsd.com
july 27-30
Luverne, MN ROCK COUNTY FAIR rockcountyfair.org
july 28 Brookings, SD DOWNTOWN AT SUNDOWN downtownatsundown.org
july 29-30 Walnut Grove, MN LOOSE GRAVEL MUSIC FESTIVAL 2022 loosegravelmusicfestival.org
july 29-31 Brookings, SD BROOKINGS COMMUNITY THEATRE “RONALD DAHL’S WILLY WONKA” brookingscommunitytheatre.org
july 29-31 Arlington, SD ARLINGTON DAYS arlingtonsd.com
july 29-31 Bruce, SD HONEY DAYS Bruce Honey Days on FB
july 29-31 Clear Lake, SD CLEAR LAKE DAYS/ ALL SCHOOL REUNION clearlakedays.com
july 30
Freeman, SD SOUTH DAKOTA CHISLIC FESTIVAL sdchislicfestival.com
july 30 Arlington, SD ARLINGTON MUD RUN arlingtonsd.com
july 31 Aberdeen, SD BANDS, BREWS & BBQ sdsnowqueen.com
auguSt 2 Madison, SD DOWNTOWN IN MADTOWN: NATHAN DEAN BAND chamberofmadisonsd.com
auguSt 3-6
Pipestone, MN PIPESTONE COUNTY FAIR pipestoneminnesota.com
auguSt 3-13
Sioux Falls, SD SIOUX EMPIRE FAIR siouxempirefair.com
auguSt 4 Brookings, SD DOWNTOWN AT SUNDOWN downtownatsundown.org
auguSt 5 Brookings, SD
ANNUAL GARDEN PARTY AT MCCRORY GARDENS sdstate.edu/mccrory-gardens
auguSt 5-6
Aurora, SD PICKLE FESTIVAL GALA DAYS Aurora Events Committee on FB
auguSt 5-7 Canton, SD SIOUX RIVER FOLK FESTIVAL sdfotm.org
auguSt 5-7
Brookings, SD BROOKINGS COMMUNITY THEATRE “RONALD DAHL’S WILLY WONKA” brookingscommunitytheatre.org
auguSt 5-14 Sturgis, SD STURGIS MOTORCYCLE RALLY sturgismotorcyclerally.com
auguSt 6 Arlington, SD CITY-WIDE RUMMAGE SALES arlingtonsd.com
auguSt 6 Madison, SD RAILROAD DAY prairievillage.org
auguSt 6-7 Flandreau, SD RIVERSIDE PARK DAYS Riverside Park Days on FB
auguSt 7 Madison, SD 28TH ANNUAL MADISON CAR SHOW prairievillage.org
auguSt 9 Madison, SD DOWNTOWN IN MADTOWN: LIZZY HOFER WITH AVENGER JOE chamberofmadisonsd.com
auguSt 10-14 Marshall, MN LYON COUNTY FAIR visitmarshallmn.com
auguSt 11 Brookings, SD DOWNTOWN AT SUNDOWN downtownatsundown.org
auguSt 13 Colman, SD LOONEY DAYS PARADE & CELEBRATION colmansd.com
auguSt 13-14 Scotland, SD SCOTTIE STAMPEDE RODEO scottiestampede on FB
auguSt 15-18 Parker, SD TURNER COUNTY FAIR turnercountyfair.com
auguSt 15-21 Aberdeen, SD BROWN COUNTY FAIR browncountyfair.com
auguSt 16-18 Mitchell, SD DAKOTAFEST dakotafest.com
auguSt 16 Madison, SD DOWNTOWN IN MADTOWN: DUELING DUO chamberofmadisonsd.com
auguSt 17-20 Slayton, MN MURRAY COUNTY FAIR murraycountyfair.com
auguSt 18-21
Marshall, MN SOUNDS OF SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVAL marshallsoundsofsummer.com
auguSt 18-21 Marshall, MN SESQUICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION visitmarshallmn.com
auguSt 18 Brookings, SD DOWNTOWN AT SUNDOWN downtownatsundown.org
auguSt 19-21 Yankton, SD 39TH ANNUAL RIVERBOAT DAYS SUMMER ARTS FESTIVAL riverboatdays.com
auguSt 19-20
Elkton, SD HARVEST FESTIVAL elkton.govoffice.com
auguSt 20 Sioux Falls, SD 9TH ANNUAL DOWNTOWN RIVERFEST dtsf.com
auguSt 21
Arlington, SD 21ST ANNUAL CAR SHOW arlingtonsd.com
auguSt 22-23 Wessington Springs, SD FOOTHILLS DAYS, RIBFEST & CLASSIC CAR SHOW wessingtonsprings.com
auguSt 23 Madison, SD DOWNTOWN IN MADTOWN: WESTON FRANK LIVE chamberofmadisonsd.com
auguSt 24-28 Mitchell, SD CORN PALACE FESTIVAL cornpalace.com
auguSt 25-28 Madison, SD 59TH ANNUAL STEAM THRESHING JAMBOREE prairievillage.com
auguSt 26 Aberdeen, SD SUMMER CONCERT SERIES aberdeendowntown.org
auguSt 26-27
Aberdeen, SD SIZZLIN’ SUMMER NIGHTS CAR & MOTORCYCLE SHOW aberdeendowntown.org
1. Add a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup instead of plain chocolate. It’s amazing with the addition of that yummy peanut butter flavor.
2. Bacon and chocolate may seem like an odd combination, but this sweet and salty flavor mash-up is pretty yummy! If you’re a bacon fan, try it!
3. Fudge striped cookies are delicious by themselves, so when you add a roasted marshmallow, there’s no need for more chocolate. It’s the best 2-ingredient s’more!
4. Ever tried s’mores using a York Peppermint Patty on the inside?! This was our absolute favorite combo! Seriously, though – it’s like eating a Thin Mint S’more, and it was so, so, soooo good!
