Dolphin pride at Pioneer Days 2017

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BROOKINGS – White will celebrate 50 years of Deubrook with “Can’t Hide Our Pride” Pioneer Days today through Sunday.

“Its always a good time, and we have some new things to offer this year,” said Pioneer Days committee member Jennifer Olson.

Community activities kicked off today with free health screenings and a country cookout on Main Street.

Starting at 8 a.m. Friday will be the four-person scramble Pioneer Days golf tournament at Six Mile Creek Golf Course that is scheduled to end around 12:45 p.m. The cost to play is $140 per team. If you miss the morning tournament, there will be another scramble starting at 1 p.m.

Later in the evening there is a beanbag tournament on Main Street at Lefty’s Sports Pub. Registration starts at 7 p.m., and cost is $5 per person.

Karaoke by Unique entertainment-Jeff Hanson is set for 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. at Lefty’s Sports Pub.

Saturday

Kicking off Saturday morning is a Fun Run/Walk sponsored by Deubrook Alumni Association at the Deubrook High School, with 8 a.m. registration and a 9 a.m. start time. Other events starting at 9 a.m. are a volleyball tournament and health screenings at McKnight Hall. The tournament consists of teams of six (no age limit) and a $60 entry fee.

At 10 a.m., check out the crafts at McKnight Hall and Arthur Graslie City Park, and the historical museum, log cabin and schoolhouse open along with the historical society’s used book sale.

The parade lineup and judging begins at 10:15 a.m. The children’s parade (costumes are welcome) starts at 10:55 a.m., followed by the parade at 11 a.m. That’s followed by a community library used book sale at McKnight Hall.

At 11:30 a.m., the American Legion Auxiliary serves lunch (pork loin, beans and potato salad) at McKnight Hall, and food vendors set up in the park.

“Many of the food vendors we wanted to keep local,” Olson said. Expect vendors with corn dogs, turkey legs and onion rings.

No pre-registration necessary for the annual car show, but there is a $10 entry fee. Registration is in the southeast corner of the city park at noon.

Chili galore!

One of the most popular Pioneer Days events, the 17th annual chili cook-off, is in the city park with an entry fee of $40. Set-up time is scheduled for 8 a.m. with a cooks meeting at 10 a.m. At noon, contestants light their stoves. Judging and tasting are at 3 p.m., and winners of both the cook-off and car show are announced at 4 p.m.

For more information, contact Olson at 629-2511 or 690-4458 or email jenolson14@yahoo.com.  

“The chili cook-off is our primary event with 28 cooks,” Olson said. “It will be 25 cents per taste during the tasting and judging.”

Starting at 12:30 p.m. are children’s activities at the park, including the plate drop for ages 13 or younger and the sand dig. Inflatables, laser tag and Bingo begin at 1 p.m.

A pigeon auction begins at 1:15 p.m., with participants placing bids on which homing pigeon will get home first, second or third.

“Some of the pigeons can sell up to $800,” said Olson. “The pigeons will fly to Watertown and come back later in the evening.”

Another activity for children is the valve cover car derby. Registration/weigh-in will begin at 12:30-1 p.m. at the park. The race starts at 1:30 p.m. following the pigeon auction.

Rounding out the afternoon is chili tasting and judging with button prize drawings at 3 p.m. The Deubrook alumni banquet starts at 5:30 p.m. with social in the gym. Finishing the night is music by The Roxbury Band at McKnight Hall from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Sunday

White American Legion Higgins-Jessen Post No.88 is sponsoring a Sunday morning pancake feed at McKnight Hall from 8 a.m.-11 a.m.

To finish the weekend, residents and visitors are invited to a new demolition derby on the west side of main street beginning at 3 p.m. Admission is $5 with children 10 or under free. Pre-registration is required with a $35 entry fee.

For more information on all the Pioneer Day’s events and who to contact to participate in specific events, visit www.whitesd.com/pioneerdays.