Your guide to area 4th of July events and activities
Riva Sharples | Editor
There will be plenty of public celebrations in the area this 4th of July. Here’s a brief look at what’s happening when and where:
Alcester – The third annual Light the Night Hodgson Firework Festival, run by Dave and Lisa Hodgson, will take place Friday, July 4, from 2 until 11 p.m. The free event will feature food (bring a side dish to share), live music, fireworks safe for kids to use during daylight hours, and a fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. A dunk tank fundraiser from 2 -4 p.m. in the afternoon, as well as all donations given during the event, will go to the Herb Anderson Memorial Park revitalization project. All are invited to attend the event, which takes place at the Hodgson home and along the street in front of the home in Alcester.
Beresford – A Community Fireworks Display will take place at dusk at Cortland Carnes Football Stadium in Beresford. The event is open to all.
Centerville – Centerville Tornado Days kicks off July 2nd and has a variety of activities happening through July 6th. The five-day celebration features a street dance, swimming, a kickball tournament, car show, golf tournament, and more. On the 4th of July specifically, the celebration will offer a golf tournament at 9 a.m., the 11th annual Tornado Days Pub Crawl beginning at 6:30 p.m., and the Fireman’s Street Dance, featuring the BS Band, beginning at 9 p.m. Fireworks in Centerville will be shot off at dusk on Sunday, July 6. Best viewing will be from the park.
Hudson – The Moe Parish Fourth of July Celebration, to take place at 47998 292nd Street, Hudson (south of Canton on Highway 11) on Friday, July 4, will feature an old-fashioned, free will donation picnic beginning at 5:30 p.m., and the famous Moe Parish Women’s Dessert Stand at 6:30 p.m. At 7 p.m., enjoy musical entertainment by Sonny Sundstrom, Walt Peterson, Scott Griffith, and Brad Larvick. Fun and game for kids, ice cream, and more will be available. Fireworks will be shot off at dusk. Come enjoy an old-fashioned 4th of July Celebration in the park.
Sioux Falls – There will not be a 4th of July parade in Sioux Falls this year, but there will be a free community lunch for the first 2,000 people in attendance on Phillips Avenue. From 3:20-5 p.m., enjoy free swimming at Terrace Park Family Aquatic Center, which will feature Wibit inflatables and other games with a patriotic theme. Then, from 5 to 8 p.m., enjoy July Open Streets with a variety of activities set up downtown.
Vermillion – The Polaris Fireworks Display will be shot off in Vermillion on the 4th of July at 10 p.m.
Yankton – Yankton’s All American 4th of July Celebration will involve a day of activity, starting with sunrise yoga, Missouri River Junior Ranger programs, activities at the swimming pool, and a bean bag tournament at 1 p.m. At 5 p.m., activities concentrate on Riverside Park, where there will be free inflatables from 5-9 p.m., free face painting and balloon art from 6-9 p.m., food trucks, and two concerts in the park at 6:30 p.m. (Rachel Deelynn) and 8 p.m. (The Crossroad Sound). At 10 p.m., there will be a fireworks show over the Missouri River shot off from the Meridian Bridge, followed by an After Fireworks Party in the park with more entertainment by Crossroad Sofund.