Summer Celebration Features Everything from Hot Dogs to Hot Rods
Annual celebrations evoke a sense of pride in communities large and small throughout South Dakota. Every June, Dell Rapids celebrates its heritage with Quarry Days, a three-day event that promises fun and games for the entire family.
After a pandemic-fueled hiatus in 2020, Quarry Days is back in 2021, with many of the same time-honored events popular with Dell Rapids citizens — plus a few new ones.
Quarry Industry Inspires Annual Festival
Quarries have been synonymous with Dell Rapids since the town’s earliest days. With an abundance of Sioux quartzite in the area, four major quarries were in operation by the 1880s, providing steady work for stonecutters and other laborers. The industry has been a mainstay for 140 years and serves as inspiration for Dell Rapids’ largest community event.
This year marks the 34th year for Quarry Days. The three-day celebration kicks off on Friday, June 25, with a golf tournament and baseball game. Other activities include coed volleyball, a car show, a corn hole tournament, a BBQ competition, and a street dance … not to mention tasty food, cold beverages, and arts and crafts. Dell Rapids Chamber of Commerce President Dan Ahlers promises plenty of fun for the entire family.
“We have a variety of events and activities to fit everyone’s tastes,” Dan says. “There’s top-notch entertainment, including two bands this year. We have a big parade with a lot of participants. The SuFuDu drumline is performing. Zoo Man will be down in the park doing three children’s shows on Saturday. Sunday, you can’t miss out on the train rides from L.G. Everist.”
The Quarry Days pageant is one of the festival’s most anticipated events. Traditionally there was a lag between that and the fireworks display that serves as a wrap-up Sunday night. This year, an “Are You Smarter Than a 6th Grader?” game show and concert performance by the Dueling Duo piano players will fill the gap between the pageant and fireworks, keeping attendees entertained.
A full list of events can be found on the Chamber of Commerce’s website.
Events Calendar Keeps You in the Loop
Quarry Days is just one of many annual celebrations in South Dakota. From Hartford Jamboree Days to Gold Discovery Days in Custer and Schmeckfest in Freeman, there is no shortage of family friendly events to keep you occupied — not just during the summer months, but year-round. Keeping track of them all can be challenging, but The Exchange can help keep you in the loop!
Our events calendar features listings of fun things to do close to home (or across the state if you’re in the mood for a road trip). You can browse upcoming events in the eastern, central, or western areas of southern South Dakota and see what catches your eye.
Organizations are free to share events using the online submission form. Qualifying events must be carefully planned legal gatherings that are open to the public; include entertainment, programming, and/or activities; and involve a targeted theme or cause. A full list of guidelines can be found online.
Check out our events calendar today and plan your next outing!
