Sioux Falls Goes All-Out for America’s 250th Birthday

Celebrate America's 250th in Sioux Falls!

You won't have to look very far in the Sioux Falls area to find something to keep you busy celebrating America's 250th Anniversary. There are so many events coming up around and through the July 4th holiday that you'll need a calendar to keep them all straight!

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• Stars & Stripes Family Stroll - This hike through the varied terrain of Arrowhead Park is being hosted by the City of Sioux Falls from 4 to 5 PM on Thursday, July 2. It is celebrating the Fourth of July and also Parks & Recreation Month. You're invited to wear your "star-spangled" colors, and you do need to register to participate.
• Independence Day Party - This fun-filled family event at the Westside Recreation Center on Thursday, July 2, from 5 to 7 PM, will feature a blend of patriotic festivities, water activities, and stuff for land lovers, too. There will be patriotic music, relay races, arts & crafts, and more.
• Red, White & Blue Backyard Bash - Head over to Lloyd Landing, 201 E. 4th Place, and celebrate summer at the July First Friday (July 3) in Downtown Sioux Falls. You'll find classic backyard games and a festive atmosphere.
• Downtown Sioux Falls Open Streets - This month, the street that becomes a car-free community playground on July's First Friday is Phillips Avenue from  2nd to 4th Street, from 5 to 8 PM. You will find local vendors and all kinds of unique items, live music & pop-up performances, outdoor seating, street games, food trucks, interactive art, and hands-on experiences.
• Lighting of the Falls - The falls at Falls Park in the heart of Sioux Falls will be lit in patriotic colors from Thursday, July 3, through Sunday, July 5. Lighting begins at dusk and ends at midnight.
• Fourth of July Weekend at Levitt at the Falls - The Levitt will be showcasing classic American music to honor America 250. The celebration begins on Thursday, July 2, with the Navy Band Northwest performing popular American rock music. On Friday, July 3, local Americana favorites, East of Westreville, featuring guest fiddler Kenny Putnam, will perform. Finally, on Saturday, July 4, acclaimed Broadway and jazz vocalist Andrea Ross & Her Big Band will take the stage. Every Levitt performance begins at 7 PM and is absolutely free. You can bring your own chairs and blankets, or rent chairs there.
• Sioux Falls Independence Day Parade - After a two-year break, this fun community event is back on July 4. Organized by the Sioux Empire Betterment Foundation, the parade begins at 10 AM, and the route is on Phillips Avenue from 13th Street to 6th Street. There will also be a Festival of Food Trucks with plenty of goodies for you to choose from. If you want to have a hand in making the parade extra special, volunteers are still needed, or you could also be a part of the parade by entering a float. All the information you need (and even lots of America 250 Fourth of July swag) can be found on the Sioux Falls Independence Day Parade website.
• Sioux Falls Fireworks - This fun family event on July 4th is one you don't want to miss! Gates open at 6 PM at the W. H. Lyon Fairgrounds. You can sit in the grandstand or bring your own chairs, and the event is free. There are a few things to remember: no coolers, no animals (except service animals), and no fireworks on the grounds, including sparklers. You'll have lots of entertainment, starting with the Sioux Falls Municipal Band at 6 PM, Mr. Twister will be there, Phil Baker will entertain the kids, there will even be a train ride for children, and music galore, too. The Poet Ethanol-Powered Vanguard Flyover happens at 8:30, and the fireworks begin at 10 PM. To see the complete schedule, go to Sioux Falls Fireworks.

READ MORE: Sioux Falls Gears Up for Massive Lallycooler Festival

For more information on America's 250th Anniversary celebration here in Sioux Falls, in the state of South Dakota, and across the nation, see Experience Sioux Falls.

Source: Experience Sioux Falls