Sioux Falls cancels July 4 parade, keeps picnic, adds other events

Editor’s note: The location of the community lunch has changed since this story originally was published.

The annual Fourth of July parade in Sioux Falls is off, but the picnic will go on, and new events have been added throughout the holiday week.

Citing a lack of participation, the city called off the downtown event, which began in the early 2000s.

There will be a free community lunch on Phillips Avenue between Fourth and Fifth streets for the first 2,000 people starting at 11 a.m. July 4.

The venue’s concert that night will feature Broadway vocalist Andrea Ross, with the Hegg Brothers as the opening act at 7 p.m. Downtown Sioux Falls Inc. will host an activities-filled Open Streets event from 5 to 8 p.m. on Phillips Avenue between Sixth and Seventh streets, presented by AARP.

There will be a variety of other activities held on and around the holiday.

The Sioux Falls Municipal Band will perform at 8 p.m. June 29 at the Terrace Park band shell with a Fourth of July-themed concert.

From 6 to 8 p.m. June 30, Falls Park will host a “Celebrate America” event with handprint flags, patriotic crafts, American history trivia and more.

On July 1, the Westside Recreation Center will host an All-American Field Day, featuring classic games and friendly competition such as races and ball tosses from 3 to 5 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m.

Jacobson Plaza, which is opening just before the Independence Day holiday, will host a cornhole tournament at 6 p.m. July 2 and a kids’ bike parade along the ice ribbon at 5:30 p.m. July 3. Registration is required for the tournament.

Terrace Park Aquatic Center will offer free admission from 3:30 to 5 p.m. July 4 with a red, white and blue theme.

There also will be free fishing at Family Park from 9 to 11 a.m. July 5 with poles and bait provided to the first to arrive.

Tuthill Park will host a watermelon roll July 5. Prizes will be awarded to the top three watermelons that roll the farthest and shortest. Farthest contests will begin at 1:30 p.m. Shortest contests will begin at 2 p.m. Bring a blanket, and enjoy a slice of watermelon.