Feb. 18, 2025

This paid piece is sponsored by JJ’s Wine, Spirits & Cigars.

In theory, no event is too big for the Mary Jo Wegner Arboretum.

“We have 155 acres, so we’re essentially unlimited for space,” said Cindy Hulstein, the arboretum’s wedding and event coordinator. “We have a large open meadow that works really nice for tents, along with four wooded spaces that work well for photographs, plus formal gardens, a waterfall pond and bridge, which always make nice photo opportunities too.”

The east-side arboretum also has several new additions ideal for weddings and other private or corporate events. There’s a new wedding pergola in the rose garden and a new lower level space with an attached garden and patio, as well as an upper deck for events that need an indoor option.

Holstein became connected with the event services offered by JJ’s Wine Spirits & Cigars about a year ago when owner Tom Slattery and his team supported an Arbor Day celebration there.

“Their offerings are just amazing,” she said. “They’ve got food, they’ve got alcohol, they can bring dessert with The Boozy Bakery, and they just lay everything out perfectly. Their bartenders have done specialty drinks for us for different events, and for weddings, I always suggest them because of what they’re capable of. It’s a one-stop shop. It really is.”

That’s the idea, Slattery said.

“We call it the ‘kitchen sink’ treatment,” he said. “We provide everything but that. We bring the glassware, nonadult beverages, cocktail mixers, garnishes, cut fruit, and we can even provide frozen cocktails and craft cocktails.”

As a fully licensed adult-beverage operation, “bringing the show on the road is no problem,” he said. “The team is professional and fun for guests, with the capacity to service events of any size. We’ve gone to people’s homes, we’ve gone to large stadiums and arenas, and everything in between.”

For Hulstein, “it’s a really easy collaboration,” she said. “They just take care of everything and are wonderful to work with. I deal with a lot of vendors during the year, and he’s my No. 1.”

At the Old Courthouse Museum in downtown Sioux Falls, events coordinator Staci Peters has worked with JJ’s for the dozen years she has served in the role.

“They make it so easy to work with them,” she said. “They know what they’re talking about. They know what to recommend. And if Tom is available, he will be the one delivering and setting up, and if not, he will put someone more than capable in the position to do so.”

She worked with JJ’s recently to host a mixer for the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce, as well as a museum conference, along with many weddings and other special events held at the venue.

“Our renters pay them very high compliments as well,” Peters said.

“We don’t have a bar or liquor license, so I will mention them as a company that renters can consider — one that’s been here many times and knows the ins and outs and what we allow and don’t. They’re just all-around good people, and they’re local. They do so many good things for the community.”

If you’re holding an event that could be free and open to the public, Levitt at the Falls also could be an option. And, once its new addition opens, private events will be able to book.

JJ’s has serviced various public events at the venue as well as the ongoing summer concert series.

“JJ’s has been our beverage partner since we started our free concerts back in 2019, and they have been employed by some of our community partners who have rented the venue for their events like Breathe Bravely and Lloyd Cos.,” said Nancy Halverson, president and CEO of Levitt at the Falls.

“JJ’s has been an amazing partner for us. Tom and every one of his employees are pros. I couldn’t ask for a better partner on the lawn. He understands how to build an experience where everyone feels safe and taken care of.”

Along with the locations mentioned, JJ’s Event Team can bring the party anywhere that allows a license to be placed for temporary use. Just to name a few:

• The JJ’s Viking Club at Midco Arena at Augustana University.
• The Multi-Cultural Center, formerly Sioux Falls Coliseum.
• Any commercial facility that does not have existing alcohol licensing.
• Mosaic Arts & Events, formerly The Museum of Visual Materials.
• Startup Sioux Falls.
• The all new Billie Arthur Design Studio at South Dakota Furniture Mart, opening in summer 2025.
• Many other options!

JJ’s books up fast for events, especially during peak season, so reach out soon.

To learn more about JJ’s event services, click here.