June 3, 2026

This piece is sponsored by Sioux Metro Growth Alliance.

Red, white and blue are in bloom across the community of Garretson — and the colors are only expected to multiply.

The Garretson Art Trail purchased a 12-by-18-inch U.S. flag for every household in town, encouraging residents to display it in a flowerpot or their landscaping.

“I’ve been on the Southeast South Dakota Tourism board for many years so I’m always looking for ways to attract tourists,” said Kris Frerk, community leader, who thought of the idea.

“My dream for the flag giveaway is a way to grow community, celebrate the USA and hopefully gain positive publicity about our wonderful community.”

Residents can purchase additional flags for $5, and prizes will be given in June, July and August for the most patriotic yards.

“I also am hoping to create memories for young and old — the Norman Rockwell feel,” Frerk said.
Garretson also has two patriotic pieces in town for photo opportunities and will host fireworks on July 3.

It’s one of many ways Sioux Falls-area communities are preparing to mark the nation’s 250th anniversary.

The yearlong celebration officially kicked in Lennox, where the massive 20-by-30-foot South Dakota flag commemorating the anniversary year first was unveiled.

The community will continue to celebrate July 4 when it hosts its annual Old Fashioned Fourth of July celebration, including a hometown parade, craft vendors in the park, car show, kids events and fireworks.

In Hartford, a dual celebration is planned.

It’s the community’s 130th anniversary this year in addition to America’s 250th.

The big events kicked off recently with the planting of a “liberty tree” in Memorial Park, plus 250th flags are on order along with customized banners for Hartford’s downtown to mark both events. The city’s annual Jamboree Days is held in June, and the committee has set the parade theme as America’s 250th.

“We are also working with the Hartford Area Chamber of Commerce to plan a citywide celebration in July,” city administrator Teresa Sidel said. “Luckily, things are coming together quickly.”

While plans aren’t finalized yet, the event will be from 6 to 9 p.m. July 17 in downtown Hartford and include vendor booths, face painting, a kids train, touch-a-truck, music by the West Central band and the Brass Holes, plus a free community meal and giveaways.

“We are hoping to bring together the community to show our civic pride and strengthen our love of our country,” Sidel said.

“We want to recognize the significant milestone of America’s 250th but also celebrate our community’s 130th. We think this is a great opportunity to unite and not only reflect on our past but look towards the future.”

There’s still time for communities to connect with the America’s 250th celebration.

“We tried to make it easy to be a partner,” said Ben Jones, state historian, who chairs the America’s 250th South Dakota Commission. “We’ve been focusing on local groups and service clubs, as well as statewide organizations, and all you need to do is sign up.”

From there, you’ll likely be approved to use the event’s logo to promote activities and be able to share celebrations through a common online calendar. A monthly virtual call allows partners to share ideas and ask questions.

“It’s really easy to get started, and we have suggestions and starter kits on the website,” Jones said.

Area businesses also have signed on as partners, he said.

Platte Creek Brewing Co. in Geddes brewed Dakota Liberty, a beer in honor of the anniversary year that can be served at locations statewide.

Tyler Tordsen, president and CEO of Sioux Metro Growth Alliance, also serves on the America’s 250th South Dakota Commission.

“It’s encouraging to see many of our metro-area communities planning events and activities, and we want to get the word out even further that this is a great way to draw visitors to your town or business while celebrating with your residents,” he said.

There are simple ways communities can get started, Jones said.

“Something like a ‘liberty tree’ is a simple idea,” he said. “Talk with a local landscaper or garden center to donate a tree, maybe do a community vote for the kind of tree, and then find a spot in a city park to plant it with a marker, so years from now people will know why the tree is there.”

Other ideas include a community time capsule — one that can be opened in 50 years is fun because many kids involved might still be there to open it, he added.

His counterpart organizer in Utah also is hoping to generate interest in a nationwide potluck on July 5. Visit here for tips to get started.

“They have social media kits to help you spread the word and a map if you want to register your event,” Jones said.

Importantly, remember that “things can be done all year,” he added. “People will focus on July 4, which is understandable, but for America250, things can be done all year.”