Watch This South Dakota Senator & Sioux Falls Mayor Sing!

The 84th Annual Sioux Empire Fair is going strong at the W.H. Lyons Fairgrounds. Whether you're looking for a delicious corn dog or visiting the animals at Old MacDonald's Farm, there's always something for the family to enjoy.

On top of all the fair food and carnival rides, the Sioux Empire Fair is really known for bringing great entertainment acts to the Grandstand stage. On Wednesday afternoon during the 40th Annual "Ag Appreciation Day," the crowd received a special and unexpected surprise concert from our very own Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken...South Dakota Senator John Thune!

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Mayor TenHaken and Senator Thune decided to join the band on stage for a couple of songs. This was their unique way of showing their appreciation for the farmers and agricultural producers in South Dakota and around the Sioux Empire. What happened next was something no one saw coming! It was a moment you just had to be there for.

Senator John Thune took the microphone to start the show. He looked like he could have been a little nervous. But the crowd loved it! He performed "You Are My Sunshine." This was the perfect song for a sunny day!

The band then asked Mayor TenHaken to join them for their rendition of Creedence Clearwater Revival's "Have You Ever Seen The Rain?" He went on stage during Ag Appreciation Day in 2021 to sing this tune in front of the farmers. So naturally, Mayor TenHaken was happy to do an encore performance of this song!

These videos are just too awesome not to share! Someone needs to bring Senator Thune and Mayor TenHaken to a recording studio immediately!

Christine Manika (TSM), Ben Ready

Hey Senator Thune and Mayor TenHaken...I think there's a "Mayor against Senator" singing competition in the future. It could all be for charity too! You sounded great!

Needless to say, it was another successful Ag Appreciation Day at the Sioux Empire Fair! The farmers in this state have shown their resilience over the last couple of years. From tornadoes to harsh winters and flooding, South Dakotan farmers hold their heads high and push through these hard times in order to feed the American people. That's why it's important we recognize their hard work and dedication to put food on our tables.

Thank you to our farmers and agricultural producers for all the tireless work that you do!

15 Free Things to Do with Kids in Sioux Falls

"What are we gonna do with these kids?" A question every parent askes, especially in the summer. And it's always better if what you do with the kids is free.

Sioux Falls is a small city full of big fun for all ages, and a lot of it is free. We have world-class parks, museums, live music and so much more. Here's a handy list of 15 free things for you and the kids to do in Sioux Falls.

Dives Worth a Drive in South Dakota, Iowa and Minnesota

Almost every small South Dakota town has a watering hole. It’s where the locals go to kick back a few brews and engage in conversation.

Some of these establishments are located in buildings almost as old as the town itself. There might be a fresh coat of paint on the walls or new vinyl on the booth seats, but the ambiance is still reminiscent of a good ol’ dive.

If you think a "dive" is all about the sketchy clientele, the smell of the Devil’s lettuce, and stale Grain Belt, you’d be wrong. Not every dive has a bad reputation.

What makes a dive, a dive?

A dive has character. Neon beer signs and local memorabilia adorn the walls.

You might find a pool table, dart board, and a few video lottery machines.

The bartender knows the regulars by name and they know what you drink.

Some dives don't even serve food except for bags of chips and pickled eggs that sit in a jar of brine on the bar.

Dives aren't fancy. You might see 70's-style wood panels on the walls and wobbly tables leveled with a folded napkin.

Finally, the bathrooms. The bathrooms in dives are in a class by themselves and could be a whole topic on its own.

There are several small-town dives in our area with friendly faces, cheap booze with a burn, and even really good food! We use the term "dive" in the most affectionate way.

Here are some of the best and why you should go there.