🎭 Broadway glitz, bacon billions, and beer fest vibes

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One of our favorite things about this community is the way old and new sit comfortably side by side, especially this time of year. February light hits softer, snow lines the curbs, and you can feel both the history and the momentum of this place at once.

You see it in a western wear shop that has been fitting boots and shaping hats for generations, where the leather scent greets you before the bell on the door settles. You see it in that towering cottonwood in Lincoln County, steady and wide-branched, handling another prairie winter without fuss.

And now, you see it in the promise of a major new facility bringing thousands of jobs and a fresh chapter to our local economy. Sioux Falls keeps building and looking ahead, yet on a cold, quiet night, it still feels almost exactly how it has always been.

🧁 The soft landing your long week deserves

The tall windows and warm wood of Queen City Bakery simply offer the perfect reset. Housed in a sturdy, restored brick landmark on the East Bank, the space hums with the quiet energy of neighbors catching up over mismatched mugs.

You’re here for the quiche: specifically the spinach bacon Swiss, which boasts a custard-like richness that stays with you.

If the morning calls for something more substantial, the rosemary chicken salad on their sea-salt-dusted focaccia is a savory win, best followed by a decadent slice of Brooklyn Blackout cake!

🤠 Finding the perfect fit since 1910

Walking past the century-old paper horse in the window of Haegle's Western Wear & Tack is like stepping into a piece of local history.

This corner has been a neighborhood fixture for generations, offering everything from expert hat shaping to unique sterling silver and turquoise jewelry.

Whether you are looking for a rugged pair of boots or a delicate gift, the service here is as authentic as the well-worn leather scents filling the air.

🥓 A Fresh Investment in Our Future

The Gist: A major change is coming to our local landscape. Smithfield Foods is building a $1.3 billion modern facility here, focusing on favorites like bacon and sausage. This state of the art space ensures our community remains a vital part of the food industry.

Why It Matters: This project secures 3,200 local jobs and ensures our neighbors continue to take pride in the work we do.

What’s Next: Once approvals are finalized, the new site is expected to open by late 2028.

🌳 A local giant in Lincoln County

The Gist: An Eastern Cottonwood standing near Canton is officially the largest tree in South Dakota. This massive landmark reaches 93 feet into the sky and features a canopy stretching 125 feet across. Tucked away on private land near the Big Sioux River, the tree is easily visible to anyone driving the local gravel roads.

Why It Matters: It is a rare chance to see a living piece of history that has survived the prairie elements for generations right in our own backyard. You can find the specific location and profile of the tree on the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources website.

🐾 Meet Sage: A Local Treasure in Bright Red and White

She is a Cocker Spaniel and Shih Tzu mix who was born in rescue last November. At three months old and a tiny three pounds, she is a friendly, curious soul currently mastering the basics of puppyhood. She is wonderful with other dogs, cats, and kids, making her a versatile fit for a patient home with a fenced yard.

Being a local girl, Sage requires an adoption fee of $600 to ensure she can visit our rescue’s veterinarian for her scheduled spay. She is a blank slate ready for training, socialization, and plenty of neighborhood walks once the spring thaw begins.

To learn more about this adorable girl,

🐾 Pop Up: Animal Senses | The Outdoor Campus | Sioux Falls | 02/20 | More 
Interactive exploration of how local wildlife perceives and navigates the natural world.

✨ GLOW Nights | Sky Zone | Sioux Falls | 02/20-02/21 | More 
Jumping dance club with lasers, blacklights, and electric music.

🧪 Wild About Science: Mammals | Washington Pavilion | Sioux Falls | 02/21 | More
Fascinating session focusing on furry and fast creatures of all shapes and sizes.

🎭 Children's Mardi Gras | Swamp Daddy’s Cajun Kitchen | Sioux Falls | 02/21 | More
Homemade floats and festive family activities celebrating the vibrant spirit of Mardi Gras.

🐟 Member Appreciation Day | Butterfly House & Aquarium | Sioux Falls | 02/21 | More
Early entry and butterfly releases dedicated to supporting Monarch membership families.

🎮 Video Game Swap Meet | The Alliance Center | Sioux Falls | 02/21 | More
Browse vintage consoles, rare collectibles, and trading cards at this massive swap meet!

🏗️ Engineering the Future | Ronning Branch Library | Sioux Falls | 02/22 | More 
City-building projects using innovative materials and futuristic design concepts!

🤼 State Wrestling Individual Tournaments | Denny Sanford PREMIER Center | Sioux Falls | 02/26-02/28 | More 
Top-tier youth competition showcasing dedication and athletic skill.

🎭 Parents’ Weekend | Belbas Theater | Sioux Falls | 02/19-02/21 | More 
Brand-new musical comedy following college pals reuniting for their kids’ freshman year.

🎤 Minority Falls Live | The Thirsty Duck | Sioux Falls | 02/20 | More 
Gritty local rock with punchy riffs!

🍺 Sioux Empire on Tap | Sioux Falls Convention Center | Sioux Falls | 02/21 | More
Vibrant craft beverage festival featuring sampling sessions, live music, and social vibes.

✨ One Year Anniversary Party | Big Lost Meadery | Sioux Falls | 02/21 | More 
All-day celebration with specialty cocktails, games, and prize giveaways.

🥃 Cocktail Class: The Amaro Old Fashioned | Cascata Italian Cuisine | Sioux Falls | 02/22 | More 
Intimate mixology session crafting signature cocktails paired with curated small bites.

💒 Sioux Empire Wedding Showcase | Denny Sanford PREMIER Center | Sioux Falls | 02/22 | More 
Elegant planning inspiration with local vendors and dream-day displays.

🧇 6th Annual Brunchfest | Remedy Brewing Company | Sioux Falls | 02/22 | More Ultimate brunch and beer experience featuring a stacked buffet and specialty brews.

🚀 Cosmos and Cocktails | Washington Pavilion | Sioux Falls | 02/26 | More 
After-hours astronomy and art experience with specialty cocktails and planetarium shows.