This weekend is Jesse James Days, and there’s a lot to look for!
On Friday, there will be a ton of activities to choose from.
The Garretson Scholarship Foundation kicks off its annual golf tournament right away, at 10:00 a.m. Registration begins at 9:00 a.m. More details can be found at: https://visitgarretsonsd.com/13th-annual-garretson-community-scholarship-foundation-golf-tournament/
Starting around 10:00 a.m., The Treasure Chest will be open with specials to shop, the Visitor’s Center at Split Rock Park will be open, and Palisades Art Gallery will be open with a local artists showcase. At noon, head to Humble Hill Winery just north on Hwy 11 for some wine tasting, or at 1:00 p.m. head to the Garretson Community Swimming Pool.
That evening, activities will include a Cornhole Tournament at the corner of Main and 4th, a Car, Motorcycle & Tractor Show in the Garretson School NE parking lot, Model Train display in the Garretson School Gym (entrance northwest parking lot), Food Stands by the Garretson Historical Society and the Garretson FFA, dinner specials at The Gulch and Sports Cabin, and live entertainment at Main & 3rd Street. More activities will include Goat Yoga at the Main Ave green space next to Rainbow Delight from 7:00-8:00 p.m., an Art Show Opening Party, and Glow Kayaks starting at dusk.
Saturday will be packed, with the Jesse James Days Road Race 5k/10k/1mi (register here), Pancake Feed from the Garretson Fire Department, and Parade to kick off the morning. Plus, the Garretson Library will be hosting storytime with a camping theme at 10:00 to 10:30 a.m.
Beginning at 9:00 a.m., the Arts & Crafts Vendor Fair will kick off with items such as Sweet Treats and cotton candy, Lee’s Woodwork, hand painted door decor, Mary Kay, Tastefully Simple, crocheting and knitting, baby blankets and baby items, jewelry, books, Scentsy, hair extensions, Norwex, Crochet blankets/shawls /hats paracord items, HydroJug, and The Sassy Tees (shirts, pot holders, towels, and zipper pouches).
The Parade will feature floats and tractors, fire trucks and horses, and so much more! But beware, we’ve heard rumors that the infamous Jesse James gang may be aiming to rob the bank, so keep an eye out!
Inflatables, toddler train rides, swimming, and ice cream treats will appeal to all ages that afternoon, and the Silver Creek Mavericks will entertain with their Old West demonstrations. Plus, the Splitrock Hustlers 4-H will have a petting zoo, the Lions will be giving out free eye exams to those age 18 and under, Kringen Horse & Wagon Rides, and Zion Lutheran Church Youth Group will have their infamous burger booth. These activities will all be at the Jaycees Sports Complex off Center and Essex St from noon until 3. If you wish to ride a fire truck or travel between the ball fields and downtown, hitch a ride with the Garretson Fire Department Shuttle.
That evening, head downtown for great food at the Sports Cabin or The Gulch and stick around for the street dance, starting at 8:00 p.m. with 10 Miles from Nowhere. Wristbands will be $15 each for entry.
On Sunday, the fun continues with fishing as Father’s Day Fishing happens at Palisades State Park and the FFA Fishing Derby is held at Split Rock Park, and gather as a community to worship at the Community Church Service hosted by the folks from United Church of Garretson and Zion Lutheran Church. Get your noon meal and activities with the residents of Palisade Healthcare as they host a hot dog grill out on the Palisade Healthcare lawn starting at 11:00 a.m. Cap off the Jesse James Days activities with the Blue Jays baseball game at 2:00 p.m. and Arts and Crafts at Split Rock Park at 3:00 p.m.
The full schedule can be found at VisitGarretsonSD.com/jessejamesdays. Join us for a great time, we look forward to seeing you around town this weekend!
