The potato is king in Clark, where local farmers grow bushels of the tasty tuber. That’s why, each year, the town throws a party in honor of its favorite over-used, under-appreciated starch. Locals vie for top honors in a Best Decorated Potato Contest. Past winners included an astronaut, farmer, race cars, and tooth. The Potato Dish Cooking Contests always bring out the best cooks in the county. And, the highlight of the celebration involves grown adults wrestling each other in mashed potatoes.
For more than 50 years, Prairie Repertory Theatre has been producing terrific summer theatre in eastern South Dakota. Whether you are already a member of our growing summer family or planning to join us for the first time, we invite you to experience the fun and enjoyment of live theatre. All shows are performed at the Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center on the campus of South Dakota State University in Brookings. For 2025, there are four shows planned starting with Grease (June 11-14), followed by Romeo and Juliet (June 18-21), Out of Order (June 25-28) and concluding with Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (July 9-12 and 16-19). See our website for more about the shows, showtimes, and to purchase tickets.
The 62nd Annual Prairie Village Steam Threshing Jamboree is four days of fun. The 2025 event will feature the Hart Parr Oliver Collectors Association Summer Show. Additional activities include steam and horse threshing, parades, machinery demonstrations, flea market vendors, tractor pulls, historical programs, musical entertainment, and train and carousel rides. Admission: $14 for adults ($18 on Saturday), $4 for children (ages 6-12), and free for ages 5 and under. A four-day pass is $45 for adults (ages 6-12, $10). (See our website for complete details, including camping and lodging information.)
Head to Prairie Village west of Madison for Hobo Marlin's Pumpkin Train. Ride the train to the Pumpkin Patch where children (ages 12 and under) can pick a pumpkin from the patch. The event runs 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. and also includes donuts, cider and games. Admission is $5 per child (ages 12 and under) and $2 per adult/teen. Proceeds benefit the Prairie Village Herman & Milwaukee Railroad. (Prairie Village season passes not accepted.) Also included is the SoDak Vendor Showcase featuring a variety of South Dakota vendors on site.
Head to Webster for a weekend of great fall fun. The annual Pumpkin Fest - celebrating 26 years in 2025 - features all things "pumpkin." From a coloring contest and pumpkin display to pumpkin growing and baking contests and a pumpkin pie eating content. Other weekend activities include a petting zoo, horse drawn wagon rides, craft and vendor fair, 5K run/walk, food vendors, poker run, and more. The event tops off with the Lighted Parade at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, followed by fireworks. See the website and Facebook for the latest updates.
The RiverRat Run 1/2 marathon, 10k and 5k are timed races starting at Gavins Point Recreation Area west of Yankton and proceeding out along the Lewis and Clark Campground and Gavins Point Trails and Day use Area. Pre-registration is required to participate and is available online. No race day registrations are accepted for any race.
Featuring some great musical talent from the Black Hills area, Colorado and Georgia, the Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce brings you the Rockin' Riverside Summer Concert Series. These free Saturday night concerts are held at the Centennial Park (except for July 5 which will be at the Mueller Center). Performances will begin at 6 p.m. and will last roughly until 9 p.m. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and plan to spend a fun evening listening to some great music. There are two concerts per month in June, July and August. See our website for dates and artists.
Featuring some great musical talent from the Black Hills area, Colorado and Georgia, the Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce brings you the Rockin' Riverside Summer Concert Series. These free Saturday night concerts are held at the Centennial Park (except for July 5 which will be at the Mueller Center). Performances will begin at 6 p.m. and will last roughly until 9 p.m. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and plan to spend a fun evening listening to some great music. There are two concerts per month in June, July and August. See our website for dates and artists.
Featuring some great musical talent from the Black Hills area, Colorado and Georgia, the Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce brings you the Rockin' Riverside Summer Concert Series. These free Saturday night concerts are held at the Centennial Park (except for July 5 which will be at the Mueller Center). Performances will begin at 6 p.m. and will last roughly until 9 p.m. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and plan to spend a fun evening listening to some great music. There are two concerts per month in June, July and August. See our website for dates and artists.
Featuring some great musical talent from the Black Hills area, Colorado and Georgia, the Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce brings you the Rockin' Riverside Summer Concert Series. These free Saturday night concerts are held at the Centennial Park (except for July 5 which will be at the Mueller Center). Performances will begin at 6 p.m. and will last roughly until 9 p.m. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and plan to spend a fun evening listening to some great music. There are two concerts per month in June, July and August. See our website for dates and artists.
