Talk of the Town: September 8, 2021
Homesteader Day is Sept. 12 at Beaver Creek Nature Area
Enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of the pioneer life from over 100 years ago from 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 12 at Beaver Creek Nature Area.
The historical Samuelson cabin will be open for visitors to see and experience. There will also be pioneer agriculture demonstrations, a black smith, civil war soldiers, Dutch oven cooking, rope making, candle dipping, music and more. The event is free for all ages.
Trap Shoot
Tourney fundraiser
A Saturday, Sept. 18 Trap Shoot Tournament at the Garretson Sportsman’s Club is a fundraiser for Brandon Valley’s classes of 2025 and 2026. Registration is now available online at tinyurl.com/Trapshoot2021. the cost is $500 for a five-person team 19 and over or $250 for a five-person team 18 and under.
To learn more, call Chad Poppe at (605) 759-1741 or email bvpostgraduation@gmail.com.
Wilde Prairie Winery plans Harvest Festival
Wilde Prairie Winery invites the public to its 2021 Harvest Festival from noon-5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 2.
Plenty of family fun is planned for all ages. Activities include wine samples, music by Retro Rock Revival, a petting zoo by Grand A Alpacas, temporary tattoos, pumpkin painting, mini-grape stomping and Bella-Wood Fire Pizza truck will be on site.
To learn more, visit wildeprairiewinery.com.
September needs at the Brandon Food Pantry
September needs at the Brandon Area Food Pantry are bottled juice, canned fruit, saltine crackers, breakfast bars, instant oatmeal, fruit snacks, beef stew, pancake mix, syrup, Manwich, Kleenex, body wash, dog and cat food.
Vaccinated clients may shop in-person; unvaccinated clients will continue to receive pre-bagged items.
Schedule an appointment, by calling 582-7001. The BAFP is open 4-6 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.
BAFP executive director Linda Weber asks groups staging a food drive to contact the Pantry prior to dropping off donations.
Used eye glasses and hearing aids for the Brandon Lions Club may be dropped off at the BAFP.
VFW Auxiliary bake sale is Sept. 10
Brandon’s VFW Auxiliary is staging their first bake sale of the season from 5-7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 10 at the Post Home. All proceeds from the bake sale will go to the Honor Flight program.
Circuit group fitness open house
Circuit will host a group fitness open house at 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 11. Saturday classes starting after Labor Day are also free to the public.
To learn more, email info@circuitSD.com or visit circuitsd.com.
‘In the Bag’ Cornhole Tourney set for Sept. 11
Brandon Valley Hockey Association is staging their second annual “In the Bag” Cornhole Tournament (two-person teams), beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 11 at Bottoms Up in Corson. Cost is $35 per person. Cash prizes for first and second places will be paid out.
To learn more, go to the BVHA’s Facebook page.
Double D Street Dance
The Double D Saloon in Brandon has planned a street dance the evening of Saturday, Sept. 11 featuring the music of the band, Undercover. Gates open at 6 p.m. and the cost is $5 per person but free for all military and first responders. A portion of the proceeds will also be given to the Brandon Volunteer Fire Department and Disabled American Veterans. Food trucks will also be on site. The event is open to those 21 years and older.
VS Fire Department Pork Supper
Valley Springs Fire Department and Auxiliary are staging their annual pork supper and raffle from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18 at the Fire Station.
All proceeds and donations will be used to purchase updated protective gear. Donations may be mailed to PO Box 27, Valley Springs, SD 57068.
Military History Night returns
The first Military History Night at the Valley Springs American Legion begins at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 19. The program is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.
Upcoming Military History Nights are Oct. 17, Nov. 21 and Jan. 16, 2022.
Brandon VFW stages ‘Voice of Democracy,’ ‘Patriots Pen’ contests
The Brandon VFW is organizing their annual Voice of Democracy contest for high school students. Essays must be submitted to the VFW by
Sunday, Oct 31. The 2021-22 theme is America: Where do we go from here?
The Patriots Pen contest is for students in grades 6-8. Essays must also be submitted by Sunday, Oct. 31 to the VFW. This year’s theme is How can I be a good American”
Entry forms will be available at the Brandon Valley Middle and High schools in mid-September or by contacting Tom Sharpee at tom@LTA2SUM.com
Pink Ladies Gun Raffle
Tickets for the Bottoms Up Pink Ladies gun raffle are now available. Tickets are $50 each and 20 guns plus one bonus gun will be drawn for at 7 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 18. Winners need not be present. A maximum of 1,000 tickets will be sold. Tickets are available from any Pink Lady or at Bottoms Up in Corson.
The Pink Ladies is a dart league that raises money for people and families fighting cancer.
City schedules Oct. 2 tree branch disposal
The city of Brandon has scheduled a tree branch disposal from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 2 at 409 N. Sioux Blvd. Entrance is north of the Brandon Fire Station. Fees will be charged per visit, per load and may be paid in cash or check only. A pickup truck (or smaller) or trailer will be charged $10. A pickup truck with trailer will be $15.
The service is only open to in-town Brandon residents, who must present a South Dakota driver’s license and/or current city utility bill for proof of residency.
Branches up to 12 inches in diameter and 10 feet long will be allowed. Leaves, grass, lumber, yard and pet waste will not be accepted. Commercial contractors will not be allowed to dispose unless contracted by the city of Brandon, and individuals illegally dumping outside of the operation day/hours or non-approved items will be prosecuted.
VS Legion Pancake Breakfast
Valley Springs American Legion will serve up a pancake breakfast that Post home from 8 a.m. to 12 noon, Sunday, Oct. 17.
We Salute ALL Veterans Ball being planned
Brandon VFW Post 4726 is organizing the First Annual Military Ball, planned for 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 23 at the Post Home. All veterans and a guest are invited for a night of food, dancing and fun. Tickets are $40 per person, which includes a catered meal, deejay and silent auction. The event is formal and a limited number of tickets will be sold.
Splitrock Lutheran seeks donations of kids’ books
Splitrock Lutheran Church is collecting lightly-used or new children’s books for ages toddler through sixth grade for the foundation, Live Like Cat. The foundation donates books to various learning institutions. The program was established after 19-year-old Caitlyn Carmen, a special education major at the University of South Dakota, died as the result of a car accident. Her family started the foundation to carry on her legacy.
Books should be brought to the church.
VFW gun safe raffle
The Brandon VFW is raffling off a 64-gun Cannon safe. Tickets are $5 each and can be purchased at the Post. The drawing will be held during the VFW’s annual Feather Party on Saturday, Nov. 6.
Feather Party in Valley Springs
Charles R. Doman American Legion Post 131 and the Legion Auxiliary invite the public to their annual Feather Party on Saturday, Nov. 20. The party kicks off at 6 p.m. with the Auxiliary serving food. Bingo for turkeys will be played from 6:30-10 p.m. The event will also offer a game of chance room with a cash bar. Meat bundles will be available for raffle and tickets for the Henry Golden Boy 22 rifle will be sold up to the 9:30 p.m. drawing.
Communicate with the city
City of Brandon utilizes a text messaging service to keep the public in the know. To sign up for this service, text “Brandon” to 33222 for notification of snow alerts, water conservation alerts, water main breaks, street closures, etc.
Text “Brandonpool” to 33222 for pool opening and closing dates, closures due to weather, etc.
When registering, auto correct tends to add a space. Subscribers to this service will receive a return message saying, “Welcome to…”
To register, type 33222 in the text message as the number and then type the “Keyword” above in the message line of the text, just the word not the quotations. Residents will need to subscribe to each one for notifications of all three, and may opt out at any time.
Farmer’s Market open weekly in Brandon
The Farmer’s Market in Brandon is open for the season in Brandon from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays in the parking lot at 515 N. Splitrock Blvd. The event features local vendors, food trucks and live music every Saturday through October.
TOPS open to all
The Brandon chapter of TOPS, “Take Off Pounds Sensibly,” meets at 9 a.m. Mondays at Brandon Lutheran Church, 600 E. Holly Blvd. Participants should park in the east parking lot and use the main entrance, far right door. Once inside, turn right and follow the positive and uplifting conversation.
TOPS is for both men and women, and the group’s purpose is to encourage, motivate and support one another.
Brandon Senior Citizens
The Brandon Senior Citizens meet at 12:30 p.m. every Thursday at the VFW for Bingo, cards socializing and coffee. All seniors are welcome.
Al-Anon meetings in Brandon
Al-Anon meets from 8-9 p.m. every Tuesday at Brandon Lutheran Church, 600 E. Holly Blvd.
