✨ 250 years, fireworks, and a city ready to celebrate

The Fourth of July is always a big deal around here, even if it’s still more than a week away. This year carries a little extra excitement with the 250th anniversary celebrations happening across the country! One thing we love about Sioux Falls is how many ways there are to celebrate close to home, from fireworks to food trucks, parades, and a relaxed night outside.

We say pick a plan, bring a friend, and enjoy the week.

🚌 SAM bus ridership is up 37% on fixed routes

The Gist: Mayor Paul TenHaken announced last week that Sioux Area Metro ridership on fixed routes is up 37 percent and cost per ride is down 25 percent since the city partnered with operator Via in 2024. Total ridership across all SAM services is up 28 percent. The city says transit now reaches 100 percent of Sioux Falls.

Why It Matters: Public transit is rarely the headline in a city this size. The numbers suggest something practical is working, and they arrive as TenHaken winds down his final weeks in office.

What's Next: SAM is offering free rides on all buses and paratransit every Friday for the rest of the summer.

✨ Lighting up the sky for the 250th

The Gist It is the calm before the storm at Hot Shot Fireworks in Sioux Falls, where owner Shelly Raderschadt and employee Molly Lenz are bracing for a massive rush starting this Saturday, June 27th. That is the first day South Dakota residents can officially buy consumer-grade fireworks for the residential season running through July 5th.

Why It Matters: There is an extra layer of excitement around town because folks are gearing up to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the U.S., a milestone that is even bringing in neighbors who do not normally buy fireworks. It is a beautiful excuse for our community to come together and celebrate a historic milestone that truly only happens once.

🍕 Wood-fired crusts, deep Tuscan roots

If your upcoming holiday needs a cozy change of scenery, Maribella Ristorante’s stone arches and low lighting are a sophisticated antidote. The kitchen leans Northern Italian, balancing rich house bolognese with a bright bucatini al limone.

The patio is prime real estate for a chilled glass of their exclusive house Chianti Classico. Note that the team usually takes time off to celebrate the Fourth, but they are open the next Tuesday just in time for post-long-weekend espresso martinis.

🎿 The Greatest Show on H2O, with fireworks

For 25 years, Catfish Bay Water Ski Park has been pulling off one of the most genuinely Sioux Falls things imaginable: a full water-ski comedy show with acting, singing, jumps, and stunts performed entirely by an all-volunteer team. The bay has trained skiers good enough to land at Sea World, Cypress Gardens, and pro shows!

Friday July 3 is the one to circle. The regular 7pm show closes out with a Muller Pallets fireworks display, the most Fourth-of-July-weekend energy you can ask. Then on July 4 itself they run a rare Saturday matinee at 2pm for Independence Day.

Meet Auzzie, a friendly one-year-old mixed breed boy

Weighing in as a medium-sized companion, this handsome black pup is house-trained, crate-trained, and fully vaccinated. Auzzie is an active, fetch-obsessed adventurer who loves being near his people.

He gets along wonderfully with other dogs and cats after a slow, proper introduction, and he is a great fit for homes with kids ages twelve and up. His adoption fee is $350.

To learn more about this handsome guy,

👦 Acton Children's Business Fair | Lake Lorraine Farmers Market | 06/25 | More
One-day event run entirely by young innovators pitching unique products.

💼 NextGen Market | Jacobson Plaza | 06/27 | More 
Handmade crafts and designs from young entrepreneurs!

🎺 Joy Lab: Joe Davis & Poetic Diaspora | Levitt Shell Sioux Falls | 06/27 | More
Interactive call-and-response music and spoken word play for children.

🥧 Historic Walking Tour & Pie Social | McKennan Park | 07/01 | More 
Community gathering pairing local heritage strolls with fresh summer desserts.

🏖️ Independence Day Party | Westside Recreation Center | 07/02 | More 
Patriotic family poolside celeb packed with active yard games and contests.

🎈 Red, White & Downtown Open Streets | Phillips Avenue | 07/03 | More
Car-free block party celebrating the birthday of AMERICA with outdoor games.

🐾 Tattoos for Rescues Fundraiser | Divergent Ink LLC | 06/26 | More 
Charitable ink sessions plus food trucks and adoptable pet meet-and-greets.

🛹 That Sounds Decent Festival | Levitt Shell Sioux Falls | 06/27 | More 
Multi-genre street event with underground indie bands, skateboarding, and more.

🏍️ Emily's Hope Poker Run | J&L Harley-Davidson | 06/27 | More 
Scenic fundraising cruise across regional bars ending with live tunes and prizes.

🚲 Sioux Falls Bike Prom | Spoke-N-Sport | 06/27 | More 
Prom-themed costumed bicycle ride ending with courtyard games, BBQ, and prizes.

🎸 Rock The Country Festival | W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds | 06/27-06/28 | More Massive weekend stadium celeb: anthemic country rock crossover and heritage.

🎤 "Weird Al" Yankovic Tour | Denny Sanford PREMIER Center | 06/30 | More 
Parody pop show featuring orchestral backed musical comedy performances.

Last week’s Father’s Day memes were way too much fun, so we’re back for part 2!

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