Small Town, Big Fun: Quarry Days Returns

We are so lucky in the Sioux Empire to have so many summer festivals to celebrate. This weekend is no exception, with one of the best small-town events in the area - Dell Rapids Quarry Days, going on this Friday, June 26, through Sunday, June 28.

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It doesn't matter what you're interested in, they've got you covered. From an all-day tent sale to duck races, from theater to baseball - it is all going on in Dell Rapids this weekend.

Kick off Quarry Days on the green this Friday! Grab three friends and play a day of golf benefiting the Dell Rapids Chamber. Lunch is included, and there will be prizes and contests throughout the day.
The Rapid Fitness 5K kicks off at 8 AM on Saturday
The big parade is on Saturday at 10 AM
PINZ is hosting Breakfast in the Park at the park pavilion from 9 AM to 2 PM, Saturday & Sunday, cash and cards accepted.
You won't want to miss the huge Vendor Fair that will be going on in the City Park from 11 AM to 4 PM, both Saturday & Sunday.
Pie & Ice Cream Social is happening at the Methodist Church from 11 AM to 1 PM on Saturday
The Fishing Derby begins at noon at the City Park on Saturday
The kids will love the Patriotic Playland with Bouncy Houses in the City Park
Bingo in the Park on Saturday from 1 to 3 PM
There will be train rides courtesy of L.G. Everist in the Schweback Realty parking lot from 11 AM to 2:30 PM Saturday & Sunday
The Dell Rapids Old Opera House Players are presenting Aladdin Jr. on Friday at 7 PM and Saturday at 5 PM
The popular Wonton Eating Contest is on Saturday at 7:15 PM on Main Street
The Big Duck Race is on Sunday at the City Park
The Quarry Days Car Show is on Sunday from Noon to 4 PM in the City Park
The Dells Has Talent local talent show is at the park bandshell at 5 PM on Sunday
The Big Fireworks Show begins at dusk on Sunday at the City Park

And this is just a short list of what is going on for Quarry Days in Dell Rapids! It is totally worth the 20-mile trip for 3 days of summertime fun!

For a complete list of activities with times & locations, go to Dell Rapids Quarry Days!

Minnesota's Must See World's Largest Roadside Attractions

If you are making some family summer vacation plans maybe check out Minnesota's Roadside Attractions like the World's Largest Otter, Pelican, Babe The Blue Ox, and more!

Dives Worth a Drive in South Dakota, Iowa and Minnesota

Almost every small South Dakota town has a watering hole. It’s where the locals go to kick back a few brews and engage in conversation.

Some of these establishments are located in buildings almost as old as the town itself. There might be a fresh coat of paint on the walls or new vinyl on the booth seats, but the ambiance is still reminiscent of a good ol’ dive.

If you think a "dive" is all about the sketchy clientele, the smell of the Devil’s lettuce, and stale Grain Belt, you’d be wrong. Not every dive has a bad reputation.

What makes a dive, a dive?

A dive has character. Neon beer signs and local memorabilia adorn the walls.

You might find a pool table, dart board, and a few video lottery machines.

The bartender knows the regulars by name and they know what you drink.

Some dives don't even serve food except for bags of chips and pickled eggs that sit in a jar of brine on the bar.

Dives aren't fancy. You might see 70's-style wood panels on the walls and wobbly tables leveled with a folded napkin.

Finally, the bathrooms. The bathrooms in dives are in a class by themselves and could be a whole topic on its own.

There are several small-town dives in our area with friendly faces, cheap booze with a burn, and even really good food! We use the term "dive" in the most affectionate way.

Here are some of the best and why you should go there.

Gallery Credit: Karla Brown