With the threat of rain and severe weather staying away for most of the weekend, the Dell Rapids Chamber of Commerce held their 31st annual Quarry Days celebration Friday, June 22nd through Sunday, June 24th. The seven member chamber board filled the weekend with great events and kept them running smoothly all weekend long.
The Quarry Days golf tournament kicked off this year’s events on Friday. Despite the heavy rains earlier in the week, the Rocky Run Golf Course was ready for play, and twenty-two teams competed in this year’s tournament. The festivities continued Friday evening with “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” amateur baseball game between Dell Rapids PBR and Dell Rapids Mudcats. Prior to the game, PBR manager Jay Bentz was honored for his 40 years of contributions to Dell Rapids baseball and Dell Rapids PBR. Dell Rapids Mayor Tom Earley declared the day “Jay Bentz Appreciation Day” during the ceremony. The 1993 Dell Rapids PBR championship team was also recognized during the game. The Mudcats defeated PBR 11-1 in the game this year.
Saturday was full of activities for every age. The day started with the annual ESA 5k run. Hundreds of people lined the streets of Dell Rapids for the Quarry Days parade. City Park was filled with vendors all day long. There was also the Rapid Fitness 3-on-3 basketball tournament, sand volleyball, kayak races, the Zoo Man animal show, a home run derby for kids, jumpy castles, and more throughout the park. The day concluded with nearly 1,000 people gathering downtown Dell Rapids for the street dance with Judd Hoos and opening act Ashley Wineland.
The Chamber of Commerce filled Sunday with more activities throughout the day. The 30th annual “Blast from the Past” car show was held in the park with the vendors. LG Everist gave free train rides. The annual Sportsman’s Club fishing derby was held, the Dell Rapids firefighters had an obstacle course and smokehouse, the Little Miss quarry Days pageant was held, there was a magic show performance, the Dualing Duo performance was held, and fireworks closed out the celebration on Sunday night.