Dell Rapids Chamber of Commerce Archives - Big Sioux Media Sports Network

Dell Rapids Chamber’s “Christmas at the Dells” Celebration Held with Some New Events

December 6, 2021 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

Dell Rapids Espresso Choir

The Dell Rapids Chamber of Commerce held their annual “Christmas at the Dells” celebration Friday, December 3rd through Sunday, December 5th. The celebration had a some familiar events such as the sleigh/hay rides, free movie sponsored by Schwebach Realty, soup supper at the American Legion, parade of lights, and pictures with Santa. But there were some new events added to this year’s celebration.

Prior to the parade of lights, the Dell Rapids Espresso Choir sang Christmas carols during a tree lighting ceremony on Saturday. After the parade, the Hegg Brothers performed at the Grand Opera House.

Other events during the weekend included craft and kids activities at the library, art scratch ornaments at Corduroy and Pixie Dust, bowling tournaments at Pinz, Festival of Christmas Raffle at the Dells Museum, and “Celebration and Donation” event at Norby’s.

There are still a few events ongoing as part of the fun. Residents can still register to be a part of the house decorating contest. The registration can be found here. Children ages 3-12 can still turn in their coloring contest pages to Terry Rose or Corduroy and Pixie Dust until December 13th. And the holiday punch cards can be filled out until December 22nd for a chance to win up to $400 to chamber businesses. Punch cards can be mailed to the Dell Rapids Chamber of Commerce (PO Box 81, Dell Rapids, SD 57022) or dropped off at Ladelle and Fourth or T&C’s Other Place. Winner will be announced New Year’s Day

Third Annual “Wine and Wander” Held

August 8, 2021 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

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The third annual “Wine and Wander” event hosted by the Dell Rapids Chamber of Commerce was held on Saturday, July 31st in downtown Dell Rapids. Patrons of the event were able to walk the sidewalks of downtown and sample the different wines and beers for $10.

Over 175 people attended the event, including folks from Georgia, Minnesota, Iowa, and the surrounding area.

Six wineries were on hand with samples. The wineries were With the Wind Vineyard & Winery, Schade, Strawbale, Humble Hill, Wild Prairie, and Tucker’s Walk. Two breweries were also part of the event. They were Ben’s Brewing and Fernson Brewing.

Dell Rapids Chamber Gives Community Awards, Announces New President and Board Members

February 23, 2021 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

The Dell Rapids Chamber of Commerce had a busy night at their annual banquet on Sunday, February 21st at Papa’s in downtown Dell Rapids. The chamber announced their annual community awards as well as new board members and new president.

The chamber announced their annual award winners and the winner of the 2nd Annual “Battle of the Buns” contest.

Minnehaha Funeral Home and the staff at the Dell Rapids Carnegie Library were both awarded the “Community Spirit” Award. Minnehaha Funeral Home was recognized for their active support with chamber for all of the events in 2020. Ahlers stated that they have done so much to support the children’s events as well as “Christmas at the Dells”. The staff at the library was recognized for their hard work and continued service to the community during the Covid pandemic and the unique ways they continued to operate and provided programming throughout the year.

Linsey Duffy was given the “Volunteer of the Year” Award. Duffy has worked diligently over the years for the Sioux River Red Rock Trail, and she will now be helping with Dell Rapids Garden Club.

Pinz was named the “2020 Business of the Year”. It was mentioned that they have made many great investments in facility and equipment upgrades, have provided increased job opportunities for the youth of Dell Rapids, brought major tournaments to town, and increased student involvement in bowling.

Pinz was also announced as the winner of the 2nd Annual “Battle of the Buns” contest held through the month of January. Pinz had an 86% rating of “Loved It” for their “Cheez-fection” burger creation.

The chamber also affirmed two members to the Dell Rapids Chamber of Commerce board who have been working in that role for the past year and to also elect three new board members to fill open spots. Rebecca Fritz and Jeff Kistler were affirmed as board members. Leslie Duinkerken, Nathan O’Bryan, and Tammy McKillip were elected as new board members filling vacant spots. They will join Amber Larson and Mark DeGraw to fill the seven-seat Chamber Board of Directors. Dell Rapids Mayor Tom Earley will continue to serve as a liaison between the chamber and City of Dell Rapids council.

Dan Ahlers announced that he was stepping down as the chamber president during the meeting and introduced Amber Larson as the new president. Larson has been on the Chamber Board of Directors serving as treasurer for the last seven years.

City of Dell Rapids Proclaims Dan Ahlers Day of Appreciation

February 22, 2021 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

Dell Rapids Mayor Tom Earley and the City of Dell Rapids made a proclamation that Monday, February 22nd was Dan Ahlers Day of Appreciation. Mayor Earley made the proclamation during the Dell Rapids Chamber of Commerce’s annual banquet on Sunday, February 21st.

Ahlers made the announcement during the banquet that he was stepping down as president of the Dell Rapids Chamber of Commerce after over twelve years serving on the chamber.

“Tonight the city wants to recognize Dan for the work that he has done. His involvement in Quarry Days is a great example. I did not realize how much stuff has to happen and be done, preparations in such detail, and Dan was right in the middle. And if it wasn’t for the work Dan has done and the other people he’s got to support him, a lot of these things wouldn’t have happened,” said Mayor Earley.

Mayor Earley presented Ahlers with the framed proclamation in appreciation for his service to the Dell Rapids Chamber of Commerce.

Dell Rapids Chamber Hosting 2nd Annual “Battle of the Buns”

January 7, 2021 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

The Dell Rapids Chamber of Commerce is hosting the 2nd Annual “Battle of the Buns” throughout the month of January. All four businesses that participated in the event last year, Pinz, Papa’s, Norby’s, and County Fair, are participating again this year with new menu items to determine the 2021 Best Burger in Dells!

Everyone is invited to purchase the battle burgers from the four locations, complete a ballot, and return it to one of the four locations. A ballot will be given for every burger purchase, meaning multiple votes are possible.

The Dell Rapids Chamber of Commerce will hold a weekly drawing from the returned ballots. Chances to win can be doubled by sharing photos of the battle burgers on the chamber’s Facebook page or emailing them to office@ dellrapidschamber.com.

The contest will be held throughout the entire month of January, and the winner of the “Battle of the Buns” will be announced at the Dell Rapids Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet that will be held on February 21st. Gronli Cabinetry will be sponsoring the award with a personalized cutting board.

The 2021 burger lineup:

PINZ offers the Cheez-Fection, a 1/2 pound 100% all beef patty, seasoned and grilled to perfection. Layered with Swiss, American, & Cheddar Cheese. This cheesy delight becomes complete by being served on a toasted pretzel bun, deluxe style with PINZ new secret sauce. This burger is sheer Cheez-Fection. Served with fries for $10.50

Papa’s Pub & Eatery offers the Papa’s Italiano, which features Papa’s 1/2 pound patty with one of their fried house-made mozzarella medallions and a house-made Rosa sauce. Served with fries for $10

Norby’s offers the Zesty Mexy De Gallo, a 1/3 lb beef – spiced up with their special seasoning, Mexican cheese & jalapeno – pattied to perfection. Served on toasted brioche bun with Norby’s special sauce & salsa! Served with Spicy Fries for $8.99

County Fair Grocery & Deli offers the Bodacious Bacon PB&J, this hamburger patty features peppered bacon, special seasoning, peanut butter and grape jelly all on a burger bun! Served with cheese balls and drink for $7.77

Dell Rapids Chamber Holds Trick-or-Treat Drive Thru

November 1, 2020 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

The Dell Rapids Chamber of Commerce held a drive-thru “Trick-or-Treat” event on Friday, October 30th. The chamber decided to do a drive-thru in an attempt to provide a safe event as the number of Covid cases have risen over the last month. The thought was this was a safer way to hold the event rather than having all of the people in close proximity to one another downtown.

The chamber decorated areas of the park, and volunteers in costumes from Dell Rapids businesses and community lined the park pathway for children to see as they were driven through the park. Each child was then given a bag of candy from the Dell Rapids Chamber of Commerce. Around 700 bags of candy were handed out at the event.

Dell Rapids Chamber Adding Two Contests to Trick-or-Treat Event

October 11, 2020 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

In an attempt to provide a safe event amidst the Covid pandemic, the Dell Rapids Chamber of Commerce is making changes to the annual Downtown Trick-or-Treat event.

The Trick-or-Treat event will be held on Friday, October 30th from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Instead of the trick-or-treaters walking around downtown, the event will be a drive-thru at one of the parks in Dell Rapids, which is similar to the drive-thru Easter event held earlier this year. A map will be provided of the path closer to the event date depending on construction updates.

As part of the change to a park, the Dell Rapids Chamber is promoting a Jack-O-Lantern contest. Contestants can carve their pumpkins and fill out an entry form (click here for entry). The pumpkin can be left at the park drop-off point on Thursday, October 29th and picked up again after the drive-thru event on Friday, October 30th. The Dell Rapids Chamber board members will vote on the pumpkins during the drive thru event, and one winner will be chosen for each age group of 0-6, 7-13, and 14+. Each winner may choose a $25 Chamber Gift Card to a Dell Rapids Chamber member of their choice. Winners will be announced the following week on the chamber Facebook page.

Another contest the chamber is hosting during the Halloween time is a “Haunt Your House Contest”. Contestants can fill out an entry form (click here for entry) by October 28th. The chamber will put together a map for the community to vote for their favorite “haunted house” between October 29th and November 1st. Votes may be cast by commenting on the Haunt Your House photo album on the chamber Facebook page or by emailing office@dellrapidschamber.com . The first place winner will receive a $50 Chamber gift card, and the second place winner will receive a $25 Chamber gift card to a Dell Rapids Chamber of Commerce Business Member. Winners will be announced the week of November 2nd on the chamber Facebook page.

More information about the drive-thru trick-or-treat event and the two contests can be found on the chamber’s website.

Dell Rapids Chamber to Help Celebrate Small Business Week

September 16, 2020 by Submitted

The Dell Rapids Chamber of Commerce celebrates #DellRapidsSmallBusinessWeek to highlight area businesses and organizations that truly make it possible for Dell Rapids to be known as the Little City with Big Attractions.

The City of Dell Rapids also shows their support for this celebratory week as Mayor Tom Earley signed a proclamation, officially announcing September 21-27, 2020 as Dell Rapids Small Business Week.

“We appreciate the support and contributions our small businesses give to our Dell Rapids community. These last six months have dramatically shown us their strength and their importance in the life of Dell Rapids. Hopefully Dell Rapids Small Business Week will remind all of us about the value of spending our money locally,” noted Mayor Earley.

Dell Rapids Small Business Week will be held in conjunction with the Small Business Administration’s national Small Business Week celebration, which is typically held in May. However, due to the impacts of the coronavirus, the SBA has rescheduled their online event later this month at sba.gov. The Dell Rapids Chamber of Commerce would like to congratulate the small business owner of Rapid Fitness, Matt Beukelman, as he will be honored as SBA South Dakota’s 2020 Young Entrepreneur of the Year next week during the South Dakota Small Business Week Awards Ceremony held online, September 22nd.

In regards to his efforts over the last year, Matt Beukelman noted, “I’ve worked really hard to adapt to the changing demand for our services. Pre-COVID, I expanded the gym into a larger space to accommodate for more bodies and growing services. During COVID we have brought a lot of services online. Virtual classes, nutrition and exercise manuals, coaching materials and more are available through our new mobile app and website (RapidFitnessOnline.com). I look forward to more opportunities in the future to serve my community and expand into other areas utilizing the online platform and other emerging services that we are offering.”

“Adaptation, innovation and recovery has been the theme of 2020. The Dell Rapids Chamber is there and will continue to be for our members to support and promote their business or organization. We want to thank the Dell Rapids Community for supporting our local businesses. Their support will help our community continue to grow,” expressed Dan Ahlers, Dell Rapids Chamber President.

As so many small and locally owned chamber members sponsor youth sports teams, make community events possible through chamber memberships and sponsorships, and provide services unique to the Dell Rapids area, the chamber wanted to find a fun way to challenge the community to show their support and spotlight the businesses, organizations, and amenities offered within Dell Rapids.

During Dell Rapids Small Business Week, the Dell Rapids Chamber of Commerce is hosting a #DellRapidsSmallBusinessWeek $20.20 Gift Card Giveaway. To enter the giveaway contest, entrants are given six different options to show their support for area businesses and organizations from shopping local, attending events, sharing posts and following social media pages, as well as, leaving online reviews and visiting a chamber business or organization. After completing a challenge, entrants are asked to snap a photo of their completed challenge, message them to the chamber on Facebook or email them to office@dellrapidschamber.com, and share them on social media using the tag #DellRapidsSmallBuinessWeek or @DellRapidsChamber. All entrants who complete the three steps required for the giveaway will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win one of several gift cards. For more information about the #DellRapidsSmallBusinessWeek $20.20 Gift Card Giveaway, please visit www.DellRapidsChamber.com/SmallBusinessWeek.

More Dell Rapids Summer Events Change Due to Virus

May 15, 2020 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

Image from CDC website

Weeks after the announcement that the annual Dell Rapids Relay for Life is cancelled due to the Covid-19 virus, two more summertime events in Dell Rapids are being altered because of the virus.

The Dell Rapids Legion Post 65 made an announcement on Facebook the night of Wednesday, May 14th. After a meeting via teleconference, a decision was made to cancel the 2020 Legion Cootie Days. As posted on their Facebook page, “It was a tough decision to cancel cootie days and was not taken lightly. Safety of the community has to take precedence, although disappointing, we could not have the carnival.” The Legion is planning on working with Thomas Carnivals for the 2021 event.

The Dell Rapids Chamber of Commerce is also making changes to their annual Quarry Days celebration, which was to be held on June 26th through 28th. The chamber is postponing the annual Quarry Days celebration to August 8th and 9th.

Dell Rapids Chamber of Commerce President Dan Ahlers said, “The chamber believes moving Quarry Days is a responsible step in promoting public safety. We hope having it in August will provide a safer, more acceptable date and bring a sense of normalcy back to our summer.”

Dell Rapids Chamber Easter Egg Hunt Moving to a Drive-thru Event

April 8, 2020 by Submitted

The Chamber has adjusted it’s Annual Easter Egg Hunt to a Drive Thru!

The Chamber Easter Egg Drive Thru will be held on Saturday, Aprill 11th at 10:30 AM and will be located along City Park Avenue. Community Members are welcome to attend within their own vehicles to drive along the designated map route and wave to their favorite Guardians and Superheroes. No pedestrian traffic will be allowed during the event to ensure the safety of our community members and volunteers. The Easter Bunny will have one helper who will distribute prepackaged goodie bags to vehicles in lieu of the egg hunt.

The theme of the event was inspired by the movie Rise of the Guardians, as the Chamber will need the help of our local “Guardians” and “Superheroes” to make this event possible.

VOLUNTEER!

If you know of an ADULT who has their own suit/costume and would like to volunteer, please have them call/text 605-595-8731 to sign up.

These Guardians and Superhero’s will line the City Park using Social Distancing Guidelines and their spot locations are marked by the red dots on the map. Guardians & Superheroes should not have any contact with attendees as attendees are to remain in their vehicles at all times while in the drive thru.

Volunteers may park on 3rd St or 4th St and walk to their designated red spot on map.

Thank you to our Sponsors:

The Bargain Basement
Cricket’s Catering
Crocheted Goodness
Dells Materials
Neora Changing Lives
Minnehaha Funeral Home
PINZ LLC

Thank you to our current Volunteer list:

Big Sioux Media
Cricket’s Catering
Fit Lawn
PINZ LLC
Quest Church
River Community Church