Good morning, Sioux Falls.

Sioux Falls Navy veteran Doug Starr, 99, recalled his Pacific missions while visiting seniors at retirement homes and sharing memories of POWs asking for pancakes.

Meanwhile, 102-year-old Tony Reidell from Howard and 98-year-old Bill Thompson from Mitchell reflected on their wartime service and active lives—each looking forward to celebrating upcoming birthdays.

POET, a Sioux Falls-based company, ranked No.15 among the nation’s top container exporters by shipping 39,400 containers in 2024, an 18% increase from last year.

Its exports of animal feed reached 25 countries (including Japan, Bangladesh and Vietnam), helping it compete against firms like Tyson Foods, Walmart and DuPont.

The 45th Annual Sioux River Folk Festival — celebrating nearly 50 years of folk tradition — will be held at Newton Hills State Park near Canton from August 1 to 3.

Festival-goers can enjoy folk and bluegrass music, yoga classes, and workshops — passes cost $50 for the weekend and kids under 14 attend free — while performances run Friday evening, Saturday afternoon, and Sunday late morning.

This Saturday the State Theatre on Phillips Avenue will host Cat Video Fest — a 71-minute showcase of cat videos that supports the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society.

Showings are set for 10:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. with tickets costing $9.50.

At The Parkwood, a luxury 55-plus community, seniors will join a series of wellness workshops in August with a 45-minute fitness class led by certified coach Kelly Witt every Thursday at 10 a.m.—each session ends with a healthy snack and costs $10, and space is limited.

Five Sanford Health medical centers earned awards on the Women’s Choice Award 2025 Best Hospitals Award Report for high quality care and patient satisfaction — in Sioux Falls, Sanford USD Medical Center received recognition in categories including bariatric surgery, patient safety, heart care, orthopedics, stroke centers, comprehensive breast centers, mammogram imaging and women’s services.

South Dakota fairs, including the Sioux Empire Fair in Sioux Falls, serve up deep-fried foods and sweet treats that draw visitors.

Food vendors offer unusual items such as fried macaroni and cheese balls, brisket-stuffed tater tots, and bacon-wrapped donuts (plus classic funnel cakes) that give a fun twist to fair snacks.

First Friday Artists at the Studio

5-8 p.m. — Serendipity Studio Gallery & Gifts — Free entry — Discover new and warehoused artwork while engaging with local artists during a vibrant community event.

Bones Owens Live Performance

7-10 p.m. — Bigs Bar — Refunds up to 7 days before event — Rock out with Bones Owens at Bigs Bar where blues-infused Southern rock meets electrifying live vibes.

Four Winds Music & Art Fest

Varied hours — Downtown Sioux Falls — Admission TBA — Experience a vibrant mix of music and art from talented local artists and bands.

Dessa Live Performance

7 PM-1 AM — Levitt at the Falls — Tickets required — Enjoy a night with Dessa, a captivating singer, rapper, and writer known for her engaging performances.

Sunny Sweeney Live in Sioux Falls

7-11 p.m. — Bigs Bar — Ticket info not provided — Enjoy an evening of heartfelt country tunes with Texas-born artist Sunny Sweeney.

12 Stones Live Performance

7-10 p.m. — Bigs Bar — Refunds available up to 7 days before — Experience the electrifying rock sounds of 12 Stones with their powerful hits and high-energy show.

Vern Eide Mitsubishi Show & Shine Car Show

5-8 p.m. — Vern Eide Mitsubishi — Free entry — Show off your ride and admire a variety of cars at this local showcase.

The Claudettes in Concert

7-9:30 PM — Levitt at the Falls — Ticket prices vary — Experience an electrifying blend of blues, R&B, and punk vibes with acclaimed live performances.

Sioux Falls Card Show

10 a.m. – 3 p.m. — Sioux Falls Convention Center — Entry fee varies — Experience the Dakotas' largest sports and Pokémon trading card show.

Employee Comms & Culture Flyover Festival

8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. — Startup Sioux Falls — Registration required — Celebrate internal communication with engaging discussions, unique networking, and a vibrant atmosphere.