Jesse James Days will be held this weekend, Friday through Sunday, with a whole host of events to choose from! Whether you're looking for family-friendly or adult-oriented, there's something for everyone. The full schedule can be found in this issue as well as on-line at VisitGarretsonSD.com/jessejamesdays, as can registration for the parade, road race, and golf tournament. If you are able to volunteer, check out the helper list as well, as volunteers are needed for a few events!
Events that are making their annual appearance include the GCSF Golf Tournament, Firemen's Pancake Breakfast, Jesse James Road Race, the Parade, and the FFA Fishing Derby. Pre-registration for the Road Race and Parade are highly encouraged.
New this year are kayak rides at Split Rock Park, provided by King Kayak. They will be bringing their 20-fleet of kayaks to the park, which will be free to use from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday. Guides will be available to teach those who are new to the recreational activity.
The Sioux Falls Drumline, SuFuDu, will be in town on Sunday with a performance that begins at Split Rock Park, then heads down Main to Tandberg Field. They will play at the baseball field just before the Garretson BlueJays face off against the Akron Rebels at 2:00 p.m.
Local restaurants will be open. The Sports Cabin will have specials both Friday and Saturday, and O So Good is having a wild west costume contest on Saturday evening. The Gulch will be hosting Undercover Band on Saturday from 9:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. The Sports Cabin will have Happy Hour from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Friday.
Food trucks such as cotton candy and ice cream trucks will make appearances.
An arts and crafts vendor fair will be at the Legion from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, and across the street at the school, a car show will be held on Friday night in the parking lot. Anyone who owns vintage cars, trucks, motorcycles, and tractors are invited to showcase their vehicles from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Inside the school commons, a model train display will be set up both Friday evening and all day Saturday. The display will be interactive, with attendees encouraged to use the throttles to control the train set.
The Jesse James Road Race will also start by the school. On Saturday, race participants will be able to run or walk a 1 mile, a 5k, or a 10k route. Strollers are allowed, as are bicycles for those aged 12 and under (however, children are encouraged to be supervised, as the route will be unmanned). All participants must be registered, and only pre-registrants may receive a t-shirt. Those who do not register in advance may do so anytime between 7:00-7:45 a.m. on Saturday. The race will begin at the corner of 2nd and Main at 8:00 a.m.
The Museum will be open on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with free popcorn. The swimming pool will be open Friday from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The Garretson Fire Department will also be hosting an All-American Blood Drive from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday. Pre-registration is required.
Other family-friendly activities include family fun walks through Devils Gulch, a Scavenger Hunt, the movie "The Goonies," inflatables, toddler train, wagon, and fire truck rides, a wild west show, community church service, and a baseball game.
The scavenger hunt will meet on Main and start at 6:00 p.m. Participants will be hunting for clues around town, including within local businesses.
The movie, "The Goonies," is a classic 80's movie involving a pirate treasure hunt. It will start at dusk at Split Rock Park by the bath house/information center. Dusk is around 9:45 p.m. on Saturday.
The inflatables are back, and will be held near the picnic shelter at the Jaycees Sports Complex on Saturday from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. At the same time, a burger feed will be held by Zion Lutheran. Toddler train rides, fire truck rides, and wagon rides will also be there. Dr. Kellogg and his wild west show will be providing entertainment during the afternoon with free shows by the softball diamond.
The community church service is a time for the community to come together to worship at a non-denominational service, and will be held near Zion Lutheran on Sunday at 10:00 a.m.
Adult-oriented activities include a bean bag tournament, happy hour at the Sports Cabin, wine tastings, arts and crafts vendor fair, and Undercover Band at The Gulch Bar & Grill.
The bean bag tournament will be held off Main on Friday evening. Look for the Triple Crown trailer to register anytime between 6:00-6:30 p.m. Bags will be tossed starting at 6:45 p.m., and spots are likely to go fast.
Wine tasting will be held at Humble Hill Winery from noon to 6:00 p.m. on Friday through Sunday, at Tuckers Walk from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, and at The Treasure Chest from noon to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday.
The weekend is packed, so make sure you slather on the sunscreen, grab some water, and get ready to have fun! Highs in the mid-80's and lots of sun are expected throughout the weekend.
