SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) — The City of Sioux Falls and Experience Sioux Falls, along with the Washington Pavilion of Arts and Science and ASM Global, are launching a community-wide initiative called Sioux Falls Alive that is aimed at creating engaging programming and events during the months of October to February for residents and visitors to safely attend. While safety precautions will vary depending on the event and venue, COVID safety protocols will be in place to offer a healthy and safe environment. Individuals are invited to attend events in a way they feel comfortable with.
Sioux Falls Alive will feature festivals and distinctive events, ranging from autumn festivals at the Washington Pavilion to an OctoBEARfest at Great Bear and ASM campus events including a YogaFest and MasqueRAVE, that are loosely based around seasonal themes. The Washington Pavilion, the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center, along with City departments Siouxland Libraries and Parks and Recreation will offer special events, including family-friendly options at the Great Plains Zoo and Great Bear. Community organizations are invited to join this initiative and submit their programming ideas.
“As a community, we need to continue to move forward even as we follow safety measures to coexist with the virus. A large part of that is caring not only for our physical health but also for our community’s emotional well-being. Through Sioux Falls Alive, we are bringing opportunities and engaging events to create a renewed state of vibrancy in our community, providing benefits both to our community’s mental and emotional health, and supporting area businesses along the way,” said Mayor Paul TenHaken.
Experience Sioux Falls will lead the initiative’s marketing efforts and manage the calendar of events at SiouxFallsAlive.com. Sioux Falls Alive is geared toward community members, but the goal is to also use the programming as an opportunity to re-energize the local tourism industry and attract visitors from across the region looking for a weekend getaway.
“We are thrilled to be a part of this collaboration to provide a sense of hope and create excitement for visitors and locals to explore Sioux Falls during the upcoming fall and winter seasons,” said Teri Schmidt, Executive Director, Experience Sioux Falls. “These times are anything but normal, but our community provides a plethora of entertainment and activities while allowing individuals to feel safe.”
Further information will be provided to businesses via a toolkit with instructions on how to get involved within the next week. Event submission guidelines are also being developed. Businesses are encouraged to submit events for consideration at ExperienceSiouxFalls.com/SubmitEvent.
(The City of Sioux Falls contributed this report/news release.)
