Pumpkin float, celebrity chef among reasons for trip this month to Dawley Farm Village

This paid piece is sponsored by Dawley Farm Village.

Jump into a pumpkin-filled pool, learn from a celebrity chef, and sip a fall-inspired drink with a trip this month to Dawley Farm Village.

The fun kicks off this weekend with a popular Pumpkin Float event Oct. 5 at SafeSplash Swim School, which is in a retail center that includes Jersey Mike’s Subs and Nekter Juice Bar.

“Expect an exciting and engaging event designed for both parents and kids,” co-owner Dan Sobocinski said.

“Young swimmers can jump into our pumpkin-filled pool, where they can showcase their skills while hunting for the perfect family pumpkin.”

After fun in the water, head over to the pumpkin decorating station, where SafeSplash staff will assist your little artists in bringing their pumpkins to life with creative flair.

“Plus, every family gets a chance to win free swim lessons in our drawing and take home a festive Halloween goody bag,” Sobocinski said.

To sign up, click here. 

Since opening, the neighborhood has responded in a big way,

“Our Dawley Farm location now has as many enrollments as our south-side school,” Sobocinski said, adding that swim lessons make a great gift idea for kids.

“We are attending several October events, including the two-day Etc. for Her event for women, where we will be selling holiday gift certificates.”

A celebrity chef arrives later this month at Dawley Farm Village. Chef George Geary will teach a class featuring autumn pies from 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 11 at Cooks & Bakers Kitchen.

Geary has been teaching culinary classes for more than 45 years in all 50 states. He is the author of 16 award-winning books and teaches food on WGN-TV Chicago, NBC Tampa and his home station, FOX-6 San Diego. Geary was the recipient of the International Association of Culinary Professionals’ Culinary Educator of the Year award.

Space is limited. Click here to sign up.

And then Oct. 25, come back for Chef Omar’s Challenge, featuring Chef Omar Thornton, former owner of ‘O’ So Good Restaurant in Garretson, who appeared on “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” with host Guy Fieri.

“Just as on his menu at the former ‘O’ So Good Restaurant in Garretson, we challenge Chef Omar to create a special meal with the unknown ingredients set before him,” Cooks & Bakers Kitchen owner Joanne Bogus said.

“Chef Omar specializes in Southern cooking and brings all the expertise to our kitchen. A popular teaching chef, he has taught many the art of cooking and especially loves Southern cooking and sharing it with South Dakotans.”

There is limited seating. Reservations are accepted by calling 605-705-6770 or clicking here.

Since opening last year at Dawley Farm Village, “things are going very well. Locals are responding, and we get many customers from Iowa and Minnesota as well,” Bogus said.

“Customers love the classes we offer, and we have done many team-building, hands-on cooking classes.”

The store continues to add to its inventory weekly and now offers some food products, including items from local vendors. Watch the website for information on new classes, including open table classes that can be reserved. There’s also a section with a wish list where customers can fill in what they’d like from the store, allowing others to shop for them.

“And we keep track of the purchases,” Bogus said. “This is great for the holiday season and special occasions like a kitchen wedding registry.”

On the beverage side, Dawley Farm Village visitors are covered too. Cellar 54 is open in its new location. The adult-beverage shop moved next door to its former space in the retail center next to Buffalo Wild Wings.

“It’s going quite well. It also helps that the weather is cooling down and people are in more of a routine with school starting,” owner Jenna Snyder said, adding that a number of new people have been discovering her weekly wine tastings.

On Saturdays this fall, enjoy apple cider mimosas with a caramel cinnamon sugar rim.

Other upcoming events include a Riedel wine glass tasting, charcuterie board classes, a card-making class and a chili cook-off. Click here for more information on events at the store.

Dawley Farm Village also continues to add new retailers. The latest opening is The UPS Store, which is in a retail center with Budget Blinds and Pizza Hut.

The UPS Store opens at Dawley Farm Village