👀 It’s been years since Sioux Falls had this July 4th tradition

It is hard to believe how quickly the year is moving. Suddenly we are talking about fireworks, parades, and those long summer evenings everyone looks forward to.

Sioux Falls has a big weekend ahead, with a celebration that brings together longtime traditions, local organizations, and thousands of neighbors. Here is everything you need to know before heading out to enjoy it.

✨ 89 floats, a Medal of Honor Grand Marshal, and more

The Gist The Sioux Falls Independence Day Parade returns Saturday, July 4 at 10 a.m. after a multi-year absence, with 89 businesses, organizations, officials, and individuals registered to march down Phillips Avenue from 13th Street to 6th Street. Vietnam veteran and Congressional Medal of Honor recipient Michael Fitzmaurice serves as Grand Marshal, with the Sioux Falls Children's Choir leading off.

Why It Matters: This is the largest local civic event of the year and the first major Sioux Falls Independence Day Parade in several years, organized by the Sioux Empire Betterment Foundation. The parade is being staged as the centerpiece of the city's America 250 weekend.

What's Next: Food Truck Madness runs in the Raven parking lot from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and face painting starts at 9 a.m. in the alley next to Fernson Brewing Co.

🎆 Sioux Falls Fireworks adds Skydiver to free festival

The Gist: The free Fourth of July celebration at the W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds is shaping up to be its biggest yet, expecting 10,000 guests. Organized by John Small and the Sioux Falls Fireworks nonprofit, doors open at 5:30 p.m. with a packed lineup featuring a kids' zone, live music, a Vanguard flyover, and a newly added skydiver at 8:30 p.m. The big fireworks show kicks off at 10:00 p.m. synced to Sunny 93.3 FM.

Why It Matters: Taking over the Sioux Falls Jaycees' 60-year legacy, organizers are adding extra food trucks and free shuttles for a smooth night. The National Weather Service predicts a hot 91-degree day with a chance of evening showers, but we're all eager to finally gather under the stars again!

🍹 A slice of tropical paradise on the parade route.

The parade wraps up at noon, so right after, you can greet The Hello Hi by 4:00 PM. Its summery, tropical energy is unmatched for a holiday weekend. Skip the factory-made syrups; everything here is juiced and boiled fresh daily.

Cool down with a frozen watermelon margarita or a scratch-made Painkiller. Since Pizza Cheeks operates right out of the back, you can usually pair your patio drinks with a fresh, foldable slice.

🌊 Splashing through several summer memories

Thirty-seven years in, Wild Water West remains the ultimate local escape. The lineup keeps growing with water slides, a wave pool, go-karts, mini-golf, and a massive sun deck. For the upcoming Fourth of July weekend, the park is open regular hours with great admission deals.

Thursday evening offers buy-one-get-one entry, Friday drops to $15 after four, and discounted advance tickets are available at any Get-n-Go. Pack the sunscreen!

Meet Snoopy, a delightful young domestic short hair

Weighing in at a petite six pounds, this black-and-white feline is an absolute champion at purring and loves to cuddle. She gets along wonderfully with kids and other cats, and she has even shown a relaxed attitude around a large dog.

Fully vaccinated and house-trained, she is currently being cared for by the Sioux Empire TNR Coalition. Her adoption fee is $150.

To learn more about this adorable girl,

✨ Falls Patriotic Lighting | Falls Park | 07/03–07/05 | More
The waterfalls lit up red, white, and blue from dusk until park close.

🎪 Open Streets America’s 250th | Phillips Avenue | 07/03 | More 
Pedestrian-friendly street festival with hands-on activities and local artisans.

😎 Independence Day Parade | Phillips Avenue (13th to 6th) | 07/04 | More
The city's first parade back in years!

🌮 Food Truck Madness Festival | Raven parking lot | 07/04 | More
Good eats, live bands, taiko drums, and a community vote for best truck.

🎆 Sioux Falls Fireworks | W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds | 07/04 | More
Patriotic soundtrack, music starts at 7:15 p.m., fireworks at 10 p.m.

🎺 Municipal Band Presents: America 250 | Terrace Park | 07/05 | More 
Orchestral melodies celebrating historic regional heritage lakeside.

🎻 East of Westreville ft. Kenny Putnam | Levitt at the Falls | 07/03 | More
Local Americana with a guest fiddler who can carry a barn.

🚴 SNS Doughnut Ride | Spoke-N-Sport | 07/04 | More 
Morning road cycling capped off with fresh local bakery treats and refreshments.

🌮 Fourth of July Fiesta | Good NAtured | 07/04 | More 
A taco potluck to celebrate and tour the new community space.

🎯 Annual Independence Day Event | BB's Pub | 07/04 | More 
A dart tournament, competitive eating, and backyard acoustic rock.

🍸 4th of July Party | PAve | 07/04 | More 
Rooftop club vibe with late-night holiday drink specials and live DJs.

📜 Public Reading of the Declaration of Independence | Battleship South Dakota Memorial | 07/08 | More
A cannon firing, colors posted, and the actual document read aloud at 5 p.m.

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