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With the holiday happenings in the rear-view mirror, does your calendar have a few open spots? We’ve rounded up some exciting ideas to keep your summer humming along! With the community’s input, The Watertown Current will feature a weekly summary of upcoming arts opportunities and cultural events in this space. Thanks for sharing!
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“Passport to the Arts Day Camp” will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. on Monday, July 14, at The Goss Opera House in downtown Watertown. This exciting afternoon – filled with hands-on experiences celebrating arts and culture from around the world – is open to students entering kindergarten through sixth grade. Campers will explore a variety of global traditions through crafts, art projects, food tastings, and dancing. “It’s a perfect way to spark creativity, curiosity, and an appreciation for diverse cultures – all while having fun with peers,” said Jamie Mack, executive director of The Goss.
Snacks and water will be provided, and all necessary materials will be included. This enriching experience is made possible free of charge thanks to the generous support of the Watertown Area Community Foundation and the South Dakota Community Foundation. Spaces are limited, and advance registration is required. To reserve a spot or learn more, visit www.thegossoperahouse.com/events or call the Goss Opera House at 605-753-0200.
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The 54th Brookings Summer Arts Festival will pack Pioneer Park on the west edge of Brookings with more than 175 local, regional and national artists this weekend. Saturday, July 12, hours are from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. followed by Sunday, July 13, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. In addition to artist displays, the free festival also has on-going live entertainment on three stages and a wide array of food options available. One tip when you go: Catch the shuttle bus that runs constantly from the S.D. Agricultural Museum on Medary Avenue. The $2 fee is well worth it as you’ll be dropped off and picked up again right at the park entrance. See the complete schedule at www.bsaf.com.
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The Watertown Municipal Band. Courtesy photo.
“International Celebration: Music From Around the World” will be featured during the Watertown Municipal Band concert at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, July 13, at Foundation Plaza in downtown Watertown. The Watertown Community Band is made up of more than 40 local musicians of all ages, from high schoolers to retirees. It is directed by Eric Martens, the band and choir director at Great Plains Lutheran High School. Martens is assisted by Melissa Todd and Shelly Alvine. Remember to bring a chair or blanket – all are welcome!
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The 17th Annual Plein Air Paint Out, set for Aug. 7-10 in De Smet, offers a little something for everyone this year. The “Painting on the Prairie” event is hosted by the Harvey Dunn Society on the prairie surrounding De Smet. Artists (youth and adults) are encouraged to preregister online at www.dunnpleinair.com/registration.
Even if you don’t consider yourself a painter, this year’s event will feature community gatherings including a celebration of the 75th anniversary of Harvey Dunn’s premier exhibit in De Smet at the Masonic Lodge. On Saturday, Aug. 9, from 1 to 3 p.m., the public is invited to an ice cream social featuring fiddlers and a celebration of Harvey Dunn’s works. On Sunday, Aug. 10, all are welcome and invited to attend the Plein Air Wet Sale from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the De Smet Event Center. Many recently completed pieces will be available for purchase and artist awards will be announced at 2 p.m.
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Calling all fourth- through sixth-grade creatives! Watertown Regional Library (160 Sixth St. NE) offers art sessions for this age group at 4 p.m. on Wednesdays through July. Interested participants are asked to preregister at www.wat.lib.org.
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The Stavig House Museum in Sisseton is hosting a “free weekend” July 10-13. During your “step back in time” at the Stavig House (112 First Ave. West) you’ll be able to view a curated summer display of vintage swimwear. And if you arrive on Saturday, July 12, you’ll be treated to “Pie on the Porch.” Tour guides are available from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday and from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday.
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Looking for a way to meet other writers in the area? Writing Club meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. at Watertown Regional Library. Those interested are invited on July 15 to bring writing projects to work on – or use the time to create something new.
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“Beetlejuice JR” will take the stage this week at Town Players Theatre (5 S. Broadway) in downtown Watertown. Directed by Kasidy Tvedt, a cast of young performers will bring the popular musical to life with shows beginning at 7 p.m. July 8-12. Tickets for this family-friendly performance can be purchased online at www.townplayers.net. Call the Town Players Box Office at 605-882-2076 for more information.
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“The best way to have a good idea is to have lots of ideas.” – Linus Pauling
(Twila Schmitt writes to keep you up-to-date with arts opportunities in and around Watertown. Have a suggestion? Want an item included in the next column? Email twilaschmitt@gmail.com.)
