🏠 Mr. Monopoly was just spotted at Falls Park: here’s why

August is almost here, and Sioux Falls is squeezing every last drop out of summer. Between the fair, free concerts at Levitt, Saturday mornings at Falls Park, and a full week of live music, it's a pretty good time to be making plans.

We're also spotlighting a couple of local businesses that make everyday life a little more fun, plus a new Monopoly game that's giving locals a chance to put their favorite spots on the map. And don't skip the adoptable pup at the end! She's a cutie.

🎲 Pass Go and collect Sioux Falls pride!

The Gist Mayor Christine Erickson and Mr. Monopoly kicked off a new project July 28 at Falls Park to launch a custom Sioux Falls edition of the classic board game. Game maker Top Trumps USA is inviting local residents to share input on which neighborhood landmarks, businesses, and parks should be featured on the board. The custom game is set to hit shelves next year.

Why It Matters: It is a fun nod to the places and local spots that make our city feel like home. Getting to weigh in gives area families a say in how our hometown is celebrated around the game table for years to come.

🎓 An elementary school and a restaurant, sharing a wall?

The Gist: A new mixed-use building going up on South Minnesota Avenue will house both a private elementary micro-school and a new restaurant concept called BrewKitchen, both owned by Molly Okerlund. Okerlund founded Creator's Kids Learning Academy at 6804 S. Lyncrest Ave. five years ago as a faith-based childcare center for kids six weeks through kindergarten. Parent demand for elementary options pushed her to expand into a K-through-5 micro-school with a self-paced, accredited curriculum that lets students enroll any time.

Why It Matters: The metro's growth is outpacing school options, and private micro-schools are one of the ways families are responding. It's also a rare setup: one owner building both a school and a restaurant on the same lot.

🥞 Late morning pancakes and legendary caramel rolls

Some mornings call for pancakes at 11:30. Josiah’s Coffeehouse obliges daily with all-day breakfast, scratch baking, and hearty lunches inside the historic Auburn-Nash Building.

Order The Cure on a croissant bun when a weekend runs late, or pair seasonal pours like the Blueberry Cheesecake Latte with their famous caramel rolls. The pastry case near the entrance is delightfully dangerous, and the patio welcomes four-legged fur-babies on breezy mornings.

🧸 Nostalgic treasures and year-round summer magic

Locally owned since 2004, Child's Play Toys offers two locations on Phillips and at The Bridges at 57th, bringing a bit of extra magic to the final stretch of summer. You will find hard-to-find brands, colorful EzyRollers, new Hape items, desk-friendly mini jellyfish lamps, and stylish TRVL Design back-to-school gear.

Helpful staff guide your search, and complimentary signature paper wrapping adds a classic, warm touch to every visit.

Meet Tilly, a delightful one-year-old medium mixed breed

While she can be a little timid at first, this fun-loving pup quickly warms up, revealing a silly sense of humor and a deep love for cozy couch cuddles. She is house-trained, basic-command savvy, and thrives in a home with a fenced yard where she can safely zoom around.

Tilly gets along wonderfully with kids, cats, and other dogs. Her adoption fee is $350.

To learn more about this quirky girl,

🎡 87th Annual Sioux Empire Fair | W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds | opens 07/31 | More Classic carnival rides, live music, agricultural exhibits, fireworks, and festive fun.

💦 Splash Pad Showdown | Jacobson Plaza | 08/01 | More 
Playful afternoon of water toys, beach balls, and splash pad games.

🥁 Omaha Street Percussion | Levitt at the Falls | 08/01 | More
Family Saturday morning show, buckets and beats, blanket recommended. Free.

🛶 Super Saturday Paddling | Game, Fish & Parks Outdoor Campus | 08/01 | More 
Open-house paddling tutorial covering basic canoeing and kayaking techniques.

🦁 GPZ Member Appreciation Day | Great Plains Zoo | 08/05 | More 
Special zoo activities and wildlife perks celebrating local members.

🎨 Free First Friday | Washington Pavilion | 08/07 | More 
Interactive science exhibits and hands-on art gallery exploration for all ages.

🎸 Joanne Shaw Taylor | Levitt at the Falls | 07/31 | More
British blues guitar heavy on the six-string, light on the small talk.

🎭 Gary Michaels – Biker Comedy Hypnotist | Luckys Club 224 | 07/31-08/01 | More 
Comedic hypnosis show filled with unpredictable laughs and crowd interaction.

🚘 The Sioux Falls Classic Car Auction | Denny Sanford PREMIER Center | 08/01 | More 
Vintage automobiles, rare collector vehicles, and exciting live bidding action.

🎤 Carly Pearce | Sioux Empire Fair Grandstand | 08/01 | More
Contemporary country from a Nashville staple, free with fair admission.

🍻 7th Annual Severance Day Party | Severance Brewing Company | 08/01 | More 
Anniversary bash with specialty craft beer releases, casino games, and giveaways.

🎸 Skillet | Sioux Empire Fair Grandstand | 08/04 | More 
Pounding hard rock rhythms and driving guitars delivered with intense energy.

Thanks for reading Our Newsletter! We’ll have more updates for you next week!

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