Wild West Days are Here Again: July 2-4!

Wild West Days is a three-day, full-town extravaganza that engages area residents and draws visitors to Faulkton, South Dakota from all over. People flock back home to celebrate class reunions and first-timers experience small-town life at its best. Residents both put on the show as volunteers and participate in the fun. The camaraderie and economic boost to the community were greatly missed last year due to the pandemic, but the Faulkton Business and Professionals Association is excited to bring back the Fourth of July weekend celebration that is like no other for its 32nd year.

What began as an idea to further promote Faulkton during the Faulk County Saddle Club’s rodeo, has developed into “a whole lot of something for everyone.” 

“When Virgie Wagner and I began as chairpersons for the Wild West Days celebration back in 1990, we pretty much planned the entire weekend of activities,” said Linda Bartholomew, Secretary, Faulkton Area Economic Development Board of Directors. “In other words, we had our hands in every piece of the pie! As the years went by, other people and organizations began to be involved so that at the end of our ‘reign’ as chairpersons, we were just in charge of the parade.”  

“That's what's great about Faulkton. People step up and pitch in when needed. The fact that this year's Wild West Days is the 32nd annual year for the festivities is a testament to that. When a small town of 800+ swells to over 2000, it proves that working together has turned an ‘idea’ into a premier event that is still going strong. I'm so proud of our community and the people that keep it full of vitality!"

The response to Wild West Days has been enthusiastic since its inception. The first parade had over 80 units entered. Event organizers have developed a wide array of activities over the years to broaden its appeal even more. Everyone can find something to enjoy among offerings like movies, ice cream social, carnival, car show, games, live music, fireworks, variety show, parade, and more. Activities like Pickler Mansion tours, strolls to view the murals, and carousel rides highlight Faulkton’s unique character.

The parade on July 3 has competitive categories while also welcoming children’s floats and decorated bikes or wagons. Entry forms are now available in the Faulk County Record or email Stephanie Kaiser at stephiekaiser@yahoo.com. Deadline for entry is June 30, 2021. Those who wish to compete must be prepared to be in line by 9:15 a.m. on July 3 to be eligible for judging. Categories for judging include:

• Carousel City Ribbon: most imaginative, prettiest float
• Wild West Days RIbbon: best western theme
• Pickler Historial Ribbon: best historic theme
• Mayor’s Ribbon: best patriotic theme
• Preservation Ribbon: antique cars and machinery/tractor
• Class Reunion Ribbon: best reunion entry

Faulkton’s Wild West Days Schedule: 

Friday, July 2 

• Faulkton Pool: 1-5:15 pm and 6-8 pm 
• Dacotah Bank Brat Feed and FAMC Foundation Ice Cream Social: 5pm-7pm 
• Faulkton Saddle Club Bull Riding Event: Cowboy Calcutta starts at 5:30 pm with event to start immediately after 
• Faulkton Arts Council Variety Show: 7 pm at Legion Hall 
• Movie at Lyric Theatre: 8 pm 
• The Randy Burghardt Band at J&Js: 9 pm 

Saturday, July 3 

• Parade: 10 am 
• Build-Your-Own Bloody Mary at the Short Stop Bar: 11 am 
• 4-H Carnival with inflatables at the 4-H grounds: 1-3 pm 
• Car Show at the baseball field: Registration 11-1 pm, Show 1-4 pm with awards to follow  
• J&J Bar’s Annual Bean Bag Tournament: Sign up by 6:30 pm with start at 7 pm 
• Old Timers Baseball Game: 7 pm 
• Movie at Lyric Theatre: 8 pm 
• Fireworks at Dark 

Sunday, July 4 

• Annual 2-Person Scramble at Lakeside Country Club ($100 per team): 9 am shotgun start 
• Tractor Pull at Dot T: 1pm 
• Pickler Mansion, Afternoon Tea Program: 4 pm 
• Movie at Lyric Theatre: 8 pm 

Food Vendors 

• Gypsy Nosh: 
  • At Rodeo Grounds: July 2, 5-9 pm 
  • At Car Show: July 3, 11 am-4 pm 
• Short Stop - Smokin’ Hot Dudes Burger Bar: July 3 at 11:30 am 
• Corner Consignments & Creations - Walking Tacos: July 3 

Every Day 

• Tour the Murals
• Carousel Rides 
• Pickler Mansion Tours: 1-4 pm 
• Faulkton Pool: 1-5:15 pm and 6-8 pm 
• Parks: City, Ball field, and Hope’s Park Playground 
• Fireworks stand  
• Golf at Lakeside Country Club  
• Boating at Lake Faulkton

Wild West Days is a Fourth of July weekend celebration like no other! Join the fun!

Follow Faulkton Area Economic Development and Faulkton Business and Professionals Association on Facebook for updates and information.