Things to do and watch in Sioux Falls this week

SIOUX FALLS — This winter has been great for those who love snow. For those who don’t, well why are you living here, anyway?

And there’s more where that came from, as “a chance of snow” or “snow likely” is the daily theme from Tuesday-Friday. The National Weather Service says those with travel or outdoor plans should “monitor the forecast.” To the NWS, we say “monitor” this. (Insert your favorite angry emoji here.)

Scratch that. We’re sorry. It’s not the meteorologist’s fault that snow keeps falling. In fact, this weekly feature is grateful for the snow and for the NWS’s service. It’s the content gift that keeps on giving. Yes, bring it on. All the snow.

By the way, it’s the last week of the 2023 legislative session. We’re not sure how life will go on, but we’ll find a way.

As always, check out the events calendar on Sioux Falls Live for things to do.

Here’s what you need to know about this week in Sioux Falls:

SPORTS

It’s anyone’s championship at ‘AA’ girls tournament

There have been four different champions the last four editions of the South Dakota high school girls basketball championships, and it could be anyone’s tournament yet again this year as the crown is awarded in Sioux Falls at the Sanford Pentagon.

Five of the teams bring at least 16 wins into the tournament, with No. 1 Washington and No. 2 Pierre both at 18-3. No. 3 O’Gorman, which won the tournament last year, has a 17-4 record.

Action starts with the first round at 11 a.m. Thursday, with the semifinals Friday and the championship at 7:45 p.m. Saturday.

No. 4 Sioux Falls Jefferson, No. 6 Harrisburg, No. 7 Rapid City Stevens, No. 8 Watertown and No. 12 Mitchell round out the field. See the full list of pairings here.

Tickets are $11 for adults and $6 for students per game, except for the consolation sessions on Friday and Saturday, which include two games. Kids under kindergarten and under are free.

POLITICS

Last final week of session at the 2023 Legislature

You get a tax cut, and you get a tax cut!

A majority of legislators want to cut taxes in some form – they just can’t agree on what to cut.

The last full week of the 2023 legislative session is here. The last day for a joint resolution to pass both houses is Monday, March 6. After Thursday, the last scheduled legislative day is March 27, when both chambers will meet to consider gubernatorial vetoes.

Potential tax cuts are the big issue yet to be decided. Gov. Kristi Noem hasn’t given up on her proposal to cut the grocery tax after it failed to get through committee. Last week, the Senate passed a bill that would send $425 checks to every owner-occupied home in the state as a form of property tax relief. Another tax cut proposal would reduce the statewide sales tax until 2025.

Whatever passes, Noem could veto it, as she is pushing for a permanent tax cut.

“If the legislature pursues a temporary tax cut and instead embraces a spending spree, it will hurt our families and our businesses,” Noem said in a news release.

EXHIBITS

Fishing, hunting, boating and more at Outdoor Show

Is this heaven? No, it’s the 56th Annual Sioux Empire Sportsmen’s Show.

For the lovers of all things outdoors, the Sportsmen’s Show at the Sioux Falls Arena and Convention Center is for you. Hundreds of exhibitors will be on hand from Thursday, March 9, to Sunday, March 12.

Check out the latest in technology and features in camping and RV accessories, boats and outdoor equipment. Plus, there will be plenty of booths to help you plan that outdoor-themed vacation this summer or winter.

Kids can try out fishing at the live trout pond and see animal shows from Wildlife Wendy.

Experts will also be on hand to teach their craft. Ted Takasaki is hosting several fishing sessions, and Todd Amenrud hunting sessions. For a full schedule of activities and a list of vendors, visit the event’s website .

Tickets are $10 for adults, $2.50 for children 6-12 and free for those 5 and under.

NIGHTLIFE

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day a week early

Ain’t no party like an Irish party, ’cause an Irish party don’t stop.

St. Patrick’s Day isn’t for another week, but the El Riad Shrine is hosting a Shamrock Ball from 6:45-10:30 p.m. on Friday, March 10. Wear your St. Patrick’s themed outfits and participate in a beginner’s dance lesson starting at 6:45 p.m. At 7:30, The Kickin’ Brass Band will perform Latin, ballroom and swing songs with popular line dances also offered.

Tickets are $14 or $7 with a student ID.

• The Celtic Angels promise to sweep audiences away with their enchanting harmonies that will make you feel like you’re in Ireland for a couple of hours. They will perform 30 Irish traditional and contemporary songs at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 8, at the Washington Pavilion. Tickets are $39.50-$49.50. Will “Sweet Home Alabama” be one of the songs played? Watch this SNL spoof of the act to see what we mean.  

THEATER

‘My Fair Lady’ performance at Washington Pavilion

The classic musical ‘My Fair Lady’ is being performed at the Washington Pavilion three times this weekend.

“My Fair Lady” tells the story of a young flower seller and a linguistics professor who is determined to transform her into his idea of a “proper lady.”

But who is really being transformed?

Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 10, and 2 and 8 p.m. on Saturday, March 11.

Tickets are $32 to $116.

EDUCATION

“Pints with Professors” will provide updates on Augustana brewing minor

Credit where it’s due here. Augustana University has a unique engagement event in “Pints with Professors,” which invites alumni, family and friends to meet professors and learn more about the university’s programs.

This month’s guests are Jennifer Gubbels, associate professor of biology, and Stephanie Bruggeman, assistant professor of biology. The two will discuss updates from the department, including the new fermentation and brewing minor, from 5:30-7 p.m. Tuesday, March 7 at R Wine Bar.

One complimentary drink ticket, as well as light charcuterie, will be provided. The event is free, but an RSVP is requested .

Brew 'N Gold beer, made by students in the brewing & fermentation minor and Remedy Brewing Company, will be available.

Augustana started offering the minor in the fall of 2022.

CITY

The long and winding road of the Unity Bridge

There are more changes possibly coming to the Unity Bridge at Sixth Street, also known as the Sticker Shock Bridge (trademark pending).

The bridge, which city councilors were shocked to learn was going to cost $10.7 million more than thought, could have its completion date moved back to save money.

Public Works has suggested several proposals that could save the city more than $1 million, and there may be discussion on these at Tuesday’s meeting.

• Extend the final completion date to Sept. 6, 2024 (from July 2024), which allows for fewer overtime hours and is estimated to save $850,000.
• The developer of Cherapa II is offering to contribute $250,000 toward constructing of the sidewalk, approach and streetscape.
• An additional $350,000 could be saved by “scope reductions,” though the proposal didn’t specify what those would be.