Can you imagine inviting ten people to your party and 50 show up? You only had enough guacamole and Bud Light for ten. Now, what do you do?

In July of 2018, the organizers of the South Dakota Chislic Festival had to deal with that same type of problem but on a much bigger scale. The first-ever South Dakota Chislic Festival was held July 28, 2018, in Freeman, South Dakota. Organizers thought maybe 1,500-2,000 people might show up. Instead, almost 10,000 chislic fans swarmed the tiny southeast South Dakota town.

They weren't prepared for that large of a crowd. Vendors ran out of food, lines were long - including a 3-mile backed-up line of cars on Highway 81 to get into Freeman.

They learned a lot from the first festival and have made many changes for 2019.

The biggest change is the venue. Last year's event was held at the baseball field in Freeman. The 2019 festival will be located at the picturesque Freeman Prairie Arboretum. That will provide the space they need for more parking, more vendors, more people, and more entertainment.

Also, this year, look for more chislic, with the chislic competition returning, and more craft beer.

The 2019 South Dakota Chislic Festival is Saturday, July 27 in Freeman, South Dakota, from 9 AM to 9 PM. Registration for the "Mutton Run" 10 K, 5K and 1-mile walk/run begins at 7:30 AM.

Follow them on Facebook or sign up for updates on their website.

Freeman Prairie Arboretum
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