Dell Rapids, SD Will Have 'Cooties' This Weekend

Dell Rapids, South Dakota has cooties! "Cootie Days", that is.

The annual event gets underway on Friday, (June 7) at 4:00 PM in the Dell Rapids city park and will run through Sunday, (June 9).

2024 marks the 114th annual Cootie Days in Dells. The event first started in 1919.

Get our free mobile app

Robert Risty, with American Legion Post #65 in Dell Rapids told Dakota News Now, that the inspiration for Cootie Days first dates back to when the soldiers came home from World War I, they decided to have a celebration, with parades, baseball games, a big city-wide party. The servicemen chose to call the event Cootie Days because many soldiers ended up getting cooties while fighting in the trenches during the war. Lice and other little nasties were quite prevalent during the war. So, when the soldiers returned home somebody came up with the idea of calling this post-war celebration "Cootie Days" and the idea just stuck.

According to Dakota News Now, Cootie Days is designed to be 3-days of fun for the entire family. Those going can expect to see vendors, carnival rides, bingo games, and tons of other activities and tasty treats like hotdogs, hamburgers, and a variety of other delicious delicacies.

Cootie Days runs Friday from 4:00 to 10:00 PM, 11:00 to 10:00 PM Saturday, and then winds up on Sunday from 1:00 to 9:00 PM.

Source: Dakota News Now

Twelve South Dakota Places to Put on Your "Must Visit" List!

Make the most of summer in South Dakota and visit these spots that speak to why SD is great!

A lot of them you might have visited, some you haven't for sure, and some are old favorites that maybe you haven't been to in a while. So, while there is still a little time or even one more weekend, and gas prices are down a bit - - try and make it to one of these great places.

What can be found in these 12 locations?

What can't? Camping, fishing swimming, kayaking, birdwatching, and tons of other great outdoors-type activities. Historical, educational exploration, hobby interests, kids activities, just plain old beautiful scenery, and- - to use an overused phrase- -lots more!

With all of that in mind, let's dive in!

Gallery Credit: Patty D