Community Picnic Planned to Mark South Dakota’s 125th Anniversary
Pierre, SD – The city of Pierre is hosting a picnic on Sunday, September 21st to celebrate South Dakota’s 125th Anniversary. The event will begin at 4:00 p.m. with family activities in Steamboat Park and will conclude around 7:30 p.m. after a special performance by the Capital City Band.
“We wanted to bring the community together to mark this special anniversary,” says Pierre Mayor Laurie Gill. “This is a family friendly event, where we can enjoy a little fun, mixed in with some history and music to celebrate this important time in our state.”
Several organizations are partnering with the city. The Pierre Fire Department will set the stage by displaying a large 125th flag as people enter the park. The historic Stoughton Fire Engine will be on hand and fire crews will give rides on some of the other engines. Starting at 4:00 p.m. little ones can get their groove on with a fun and energetic dance party sponsored by Rawlins Library. The South Dakota Discovery Center will host a giant bubble making station including hula hoop, string and straw and body bubbles kids can stand inside. Kids can also play in a bounce house while adults try their hand at cornhole, one of the state’s fastest growing outdoor sports.
The free picnic will begin at 5:00 p.m. City crews will have picnic tables available. Families are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets as there may be a need for additional seating on the grass. Mayor Gill is asking citizens to consider bringing a food item they can donate to the local food pantry or a free will offering to support the food pantry. Staff from the food pantry will be on hand to collect the food items.
Historical speaker John Timm will take the amphitheater stage at 5:30 p.m. John is known across the state for his portrayal of Governor Arthur C. Mellette, South Dakota’s first governor. Timm will speak about the struggles and triumphs of early statehood. He is sponsored by the Pierre Area Chamber of Commerce through a grant from the South Dakota Humanities Council, an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities
The Capital City Band is the finale of the picnic. The band was organized 125 years ago when Pierre was vying to become the State Capitol.
The community picnic is one of several local events planned to commemorate South Dakota’s 125th Anniversary.