The South Dakota Retailers Association (SDRA) has recognized Oh My Cupcakes! in Sioux Falls with its annual Community Service Award.

The award recognizes a business that goes above and beyond to give back to the residents of the community it serves.

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Melissa Johnson started the business in 2009 in the middle of an economic downturn with just $67 in her business checking account and, as she says, “A great big dream to create beautiful things that bring people joy. That’s what we strive to do each and every day.”

South Dakota Retailers Association executive director Nathan Sanderson says she definitely accomplishes that goal. “Her gourmet cupcakes brighten the days of her customers,” he said, “but Oh My Cupcakes! also brings happiness to the community through their dedicated support of local activities and causes.”

Johnson’s staff of “cupcake ninjas” enjoy doing team events such as serving The Banquet for families in need, coordinating a holiday toy drive for the Children’s Home Society, and holding a pet food drive for the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society.

She also gives back to the community by donating cupcakes to the Bread Break organization and donating a percentage of sales in conjunction with Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Domestic Violence Awareness Month. She serves on boards for the Children’s Home Society and the Avera Regional Council and has also been involved with the Compass Center and Volunteers of America.

“Generosity is one of our core values,” Melissa explained. “We take care of our community because good neighbors help support good neighbors.”

She believes it’s important to give back not just in great ways, but in small ways as well, pointing out that something as simple as sharing an extra smile may make the difference in the day of a person who is facing a challenge in their personal life.

“Of all the things I get to do in a day, my favorite role is professional encourager,” she shared. “Helping others along with their journey is really my life’s passion.” To learn more about Johnson and the Retailers Association’s additional award recipients, visit sdra.org/awards.

Source:  South Dakota Retailers Association/SDRA

2024 Sioux Falls Area Concert Calendar [UPDATED]

2023 was a banner year for live music in Sioux Falls. Recovery from the pandemic has been strong and Sioux Falls is getting to enjoy so many great live shows.

This year saw Matchbox 20 finally get to play in Sioux Falls after several postponements. Luke Bryan took Sioux Falls by storm. Recently Jelly Roll made lifelong fans when he was in the Sioux Empire.


2024 will continue to see the Denny Sanford PREMIERE Center hosting big-name music acts. Country music is the dominant genre on the calendar, but it's still early.

There are also fantastic shows planned in Brookings, Grandfalls Casino, and The District in Sioux Falls.

Here are the concerts that have been announced for 2024 in and around Sioux Falls.

Gallery Credit: Ben Kuhns

 

Detour Dining: Off-the-Beaten-Path Restaurants You Must Try in South Dakota, Minnesota and Iowa

Beyond the well-traveled tourist paths, there’s a whole different world of food exploration throughout South Dakota, Iowa and Minnesota. From tiny restaurants in historic towns serving up generations-old recipes to small town dive bars that not only have cheap, cold beer, but unique and unexpected homemade dishes.

We’ve created an exploration of off-the-beaten path restaurants nestled in the charming landscapes of the tri-state area. Take a detour from the ordinary and discover the extraordinary flavors as you travel the roads not-so-often traveled. 



Gallery Credit: Karla Brown / Townsquare Media

10 Wild South Dakota Snowstorms

Even though snow is blanketing the Sioux Empire, some snowstorms still do not compare to these ten dreadful snowstorms that hit South Dakota.

Only In Your State highlighted ten snowstorms in South Dakota as a reminder for people to always be aware of the road during the winter. South Dakotans are well aware of the fact that the state’s winters can be harsh which is why it is always a good idea to plan ahead and prepare for the worst.

Do you remember any major snowstorms that hit South Dakota?

Gallery Credit: KXRB

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