Page 33 - VisitorGuide2019

Each April and November, the Zonta Spring Craft Show
brings more than 90 artisans from South Dakota, Wyoming,
Nebraska, Montana and North Dakota to the Pierre Area,
(605) 224-7801.
May is State Parks Open House Weekend. Both residents
and visitors enjoy free fishing and free access to all South
Dakota state parks and recreation areas, including nearby
Oahe Downstream and Farm and LaFramboise islands. Annual
kids fishing day at Farm Island is held in May. Enjoy free
fishing (no license needed) and fun activities for the whole
family. (605) 223-7708. www.gfp.sd.gov
In May 2019 the Wishard Memorial Disc Golf Tournament
will be held at Oahe Downstream. You can visit http://gfp.
sd.gov/calendar.aspx for more information.
Each Wednesday evening at 8:00 pm from Memorial Day
to the end of July, the community is treated to free outdoor
concerts by the Capital City Band. For more information visit
www.pierre.org. that of hockey. You can catch games of the local high school
The Shorts Grass Arts Council sponsors “Tales on the River”, hockey team from October through March at the Expo Center
a series of storytelling on Thursday nights during the summer. in Fort Pierre. In summer, enjoy play among city leagues as you
www.pierre.org (605) 224-7361. relax and mingle with locals at Pierre’s several softball fields.
The Casey Tibbs Match of Champions takes place in More than 50,000 people celebrate Christmas at the
June 2019. It is a spectacular bronc riding event. For more Capitol each November and December. Nearly 100 trees
information, visit www.caseytibbs.com. are decorated by various organizations and displayed in the
In June Oahe Downstream will play host to the Kids Fishing Capitol. The event also includes entertainment in the Rotunda,
Derby. For more information about this event visit the Game, exhibits at the Cultural Heritage Center and story time in a
Fish and Park’s website at http://gfp.sd.gov/calendar.aspx children’s area at the capital. The 2019 celebration begins the
Oahe Days Music and Arts Festival is the largest festival Wednesday before Thanksgiving. (605) 773-3301. www.state.
held in Pierre. The festival is held in Steamboat Park June sd.us. Check for holiday details at www.pierre.org or call the
20-22, 2019 along the great Missouri River and includes live chamber at (605) 224-7361.
music, an arts and craft show, a parade, food, carnival and Held in downtown Pierre, the annual Parade of Lights kicks
much more. Growing every year, Oahe Days hosts over 25,000 off the Christmas season with holiday music, unique floats and
visitors and dozens of vendors. For more information visit www. a visit from Santa. There’s time to do a little shopping, too. For
oahedays.com or email contact@oahedays.com. more information on these events or other events that occur in
The Shrine Circus arrives in town in June with 2 p.m. and 7 the Pierre area visit the Chamber’s website, www.pierre.org.
p.m. performances at the Stanley County Fairgrounds. For more
information visit www.pierre.org. Entertainment
This year the South Dakota Governor’s Cup Walleye Pierre began as a rough-and-tumble frontier town, a place
Tournament will take place in July. For more information, visit where gamblers, prospectors, ranchers and settlers alike
the Chamber’s website www.pierre.org. stopped on the long trip west.
The State 4-H Rodeo Finals will be held the third weekend As Pierre made the transition from railroad town to state
in August. capital, it shed its wild side, evolving into a friendly, family-
The Dakota Western Heritage Festival will be held in oriented center of government. But though some of the livelier
September of 2019 at the Expo Center. The Festival features characters have long since moved on, Pierre doesn’t lack for
exhibits, demonstrations, western artisan vendors and lively entertainment.
demonstrations, cowboy music and poetry, free daily activities, Locals and tourists gather in restaurants and taverns to listen
evening concerts, and a cowboy/music and poetry freedom to live music, watch sporting events, sing karaoke and play
stage. Contact Gary Heintz (605) 222-0079 or Carmen Cowan pool, foosball and darts. There is a three-screen movie theater
Magee, (605) 280-8938 for more information. playing current releases nightly, plus weekend matinées.
The Stirling Family Memorial Ranch Rodeo will be held in Opportunities to play video lottery abound in Pierre, but if
September. The Stirling Family helping families fight cancer. you’re seeking the excitement of gambling in a major casino,
An action packed day of ranching fun. For more details go to you can drive 58 miles to the Golden Buffalo Casino. It offers
www.stirlingfamilyranchrodeo.com. gaming, dining and hotel accommodations.
October brings a change of seasons, and along with it, Pierre is home to a small but thriving arts community,
the First Ladies Prairie Art Showcase, at the Ramkota River including the longest-running local theatre group in the state.
Center. For more information visit www.pierre.org Since 1967, the Pierre Players have thrilled audiences in town
Each fall signals the start of several sports seasons, including and across the state with nearly 150 shows and have

www.pierre.org | 33