🐰 Easter plans, sorted (plus a brunch tip)

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We are heading into one of those weekends where you might wish for an extra day. There is a lot happening, from brunch tables filling up to events scattered all across town.

It is THAT stretch where you pick a couple things, leave room to wander, and let the rest unfold. And if you end up at a rink or a restaurant you have not tried in a while, even better. Those are usually the nights that stick.

🍝 Hand-tossed pasta and sizzle-on-the-skillet comfort

The aroma of toasted garlic and olive oil signals you’ve arrived at Johnny Carino's, a South Louise Avenue staple. While the "Build Your Own Pasta" is a local favorite, the Lemon Rosemary Chicken remains the menu’s quiet hero.

With Easter weekend just days away, the dining room is buzzing, especially for the Sunday brunch buffet featuring Italian pot roast and made-to-order omelettes. It’s a welcoming spot for a long-overdue holiday catch-up.

🛼 Gliding through the local afternoon glow

Our neighborhood rink, Skate City SD, offers a nostalgic escape where the music stays upbeat and the atmosphere feels effortlessly bright. It is a welcoming spot to lace up some rentals and find your stride.

With the weekend approaching, the energy is building for the April 6th celebration featuring treats and a visit from the Easter Bunny! Between the surprisingly good pizza and the airy sitting areas, it is a lovely place to stay active any time of the year, too.

🚧 Orange Cones are Coming to the Parkway

The Gist Starting Monday, April 6, crews are setting up at the 26th and 41st Street intersections along Veterans Parkway to patch up concrete and refresh the curbs. While the outside lanes will be blocked off, the city is keeping at least one lane open in every direction so we can still get where we need to go. You’ll still have full access to our local shops and neighborhood side streets, but the work zones will shift as the project moves along. We’re looking at a May finish for the intersections, with the full stretch of the Parkway expected to be smooth and ready by July.

Why It Matters It’s all about keeping our community’s main veins flowing safely, even if it means a slightly slower commute for a few weeks. Let’s stay patient, wave to the crews, and keep our eyes peeled so everyone (drivers and workers alike) gets home safe for dinner.

🏀 The Pentagon is Calling: Our Local All-Stars Take the Court

The Gist The rosters are officially set, and the Sanford Pentagon is about to get loud as the state’s top seniors descend on Sioux Falls for the 2026 All-Star Games on Sunday, April 12. We’ll have a front-row seat to see local standouts like Watertown’s Carter Buisker and Jackson McClemans join forces with talent from De Smet, Hamlin, and Sioux Valley. The girls kick things off at 2 p.m., with the boys following at 4 p.m., showcasing the absolute best of South Dakota high school hoops right here in our own backyard.

Why It Matters There’s something special about seeing the orange wood of the Pentagon host the final chapter for these hardworking seniors. For those of us living here in Sioux Falls, it’s a chance to welcome families from across the region and celebrate the grit these athletes have poured into their home gyms for the last four years.

🐾 Reba is a 4 year old mini-poodle weighing a dainty nine pounds.

After her time as a breeding dog, she is finding joy in life's simple pleasures, like exploring the garden or relaxing on plush blankets. This apricot colored girl is friendly with new faces and gets along well with other dogs, cats, and considerate older children.

She is currently working on her leash skills in her foster home near the valley. Her adoption fee is $350, and a fenced yard is required.

To learn more about this beautiful girl,

🎸 farfaraway Live | The Den | Sioux Falls | 04/03 | More 
Atmospheric indie-folk with melodic storytelling in an intimate, moody listening room.

🖼️ Free First Friday | Kirby Science Discovery Center | Sioux Falls | 04/03 | More 
Explore over 100 hands-on science exhibits and eight art galleries at no cost.

🕯️ The Passion and the Cross | Orpheum Theater | Sioux Falls | through 04/04 | More
Musical production featuring a massive cast and stirring, high-caliber live performances.

🧸 Comic & Toy Show | Best Western Plus Ramkota Hotel | Sioux Falls | 04/04 | More 
A vibrant pop culture gathering with vintage toys, comic books, and colorful cosplay.

🥚 Egg-Stravaganza | Great Plains Zoo | Sioux Falls | 04/04 | More 
Springtime celebration: age-specific egg hunts, animal encounters, and sweet treats.

🚜 Touch a Truck | SCHEELS | Sioux Falls | 04/06 | More 
Interactive outdoor display of firetrucks, tractors, and heavy machinery for exploration!

🎤 Journey: Final Frontier | Denny Sanford PREMIER Center | Sioux Falls | 04/06 | More
Anthemic arena rock with legendary hits and soaring, nostalgic vocal energy.

🍻 Alex Kummer Foundation Dine to Donate | Barrel House | Sioux Falls | 04/06 | More
Support a meaningful local cause while enjoying pub fare and community connection.

🏛️ Mayoral Forum Breakfast | Sioux Falls Convention Center | Sioux Falls | 04/07 | More
Engaging civic dialogue and candidate visions shared over a professional breakfast buffet.