Happy Wednesday! Megan here.
Weather check: V. cold
BINGO update: My whole family got sick last week, so I haven't yet been able to collect all of the bingo cards from the various businesses – that said, I will do the drawing for winners tomorrow, so if you want one last shot at the $250 DTSF gift card, send me a pic of your completed card ASAP.
This week, I've got a look at the latest plans to expand the Sioux Falls airport, as well as the latest on new pool news. You'll also find a gift guide for animal lovers, a reason to reach out to your out-of-town friends and a whole heck of a lot of events happening this week.
And now, news:
CITY
How the airport is preparing for future growth
Simplified: The number of people flying in and out of the Sioux Falls Regional Airport has been hitting record highs nearly every month for the past three years, according to data presented to the City Council on Tuesday. As more folks look to fly, here's a look at how the airport plans to expand to accommodate them.
Why it matters
- Traffic through the Sioux Falls Airport has been increasing at a breakneck pace – with about a 50% increase in passengers over the last decade, according to Dan Letellier, the airport's executive director.
- And it's not slowing down – with a projection of 3% growth each year alongside the city's growing population.
- Changes in the industry, including pilot shortages, have meant fewer, larger flights rather than more frequent trips with smaller planes. That means, at peak times, the airport has as many as three times more passengers than seats available in the waiting area.
- That crowding, paired with a desire to add more flights and destinations, is behind a long-term vision to add another five gates. That could open up more flights, even including places like New York, Washington D.C., Houston, Salt Lake City and San Francisco.
- The main obstacle for completing that vision is its corresponding $108 million price tag.
"The flights that we do have, the schedule we do have – every flight is full," Letellier said. "We're well on our way to another record year."
Tell me more about the long-term vision
SIMPLIFIED PRESENTS
Tell your out-of-town friends you miss them with a chance to win $1,000
This is a paid piece from the Sioux Falls Development Foundation.
Simplified: The Sioux Falls Development Foundation is relying on Sioux Falls residents (and biggest fans) to spread the word about how great this community is as part of a new workforce development marketing campaign.
Why it matters
- For the past several years the Foundation has focused its online advertising efforts at targeting folks from neighboring states – touting the various jobs and amenities Sioux Falls has to offer in the hopes they'll move here.
- This holiday season, though, they're taking a different approach and encouraging existing residents to tell those stories themselves.
- The Wish You Were Here campaign includes a giveaway for a $1,000 Downtown Sioux Falls gift card, which the Foundation's Director of Marketing Leah Friese hopes the winner will use to invite out-of-town friends to come visit, stay and enjoy all that the city has to offer.
"Our people here are our best salespeople," Friese said.
Tell me more about the campaign
TL;DR
Super Simplified Stories
- One big step for Riverline. The Riverline Steering Committee – the group tasked with helping oversee the city's plans for a future downtown convention center – voted unanimously on Monday to recommend that the City Council approve the purchase agreement and buy the more than 7-acre parcel downtown.
- Why it matters: The city has already set aside $8 million in the budget to purchase this land, but that purchase was contingent upon getting a sign-off from a committee. Now that the committee has given the green light, it's possible the council could approve the purchase before the end of the year.
- What happens next? The committee's next assignment is to figure out a timeline to bring plans for a downtown convention center to a public vote – which could happen as soon as November 2025.
- Want more background: Learn more about the Riverline District here.
More Super Simplified Stories
- Pool plans float on. The City Council has another date set to vote on a $68 million bond to fund a new pool at Kuehn Park, a new indoor recreation center and pool at Frank Olson Park and some upgrades to the new westside recreation center (formerly Sanford Wellness). The latest delay was because councilors wanted to see a programming plan for the proposed recreation center, something that was presented to and passed by, the council on Tuesday.
- Sanford CEO is pop-u-lar. Bill Gassen, president and CEO of Sanford Health, was named one of Modern Healthcare's 100 most influential people in healthcare for the third year in a row. Check it out here.
SIMPLIFIED PRESENTS
This gift guide has something for every animal lover on your list
This is a paid piece from the Sioux Falls Zoo & Aquarium.
Simplified: Whether you're looking for experience gifts, unique toys, or gift ideas for the hard-to-buy-for people on your list, the Sioux Falls Zoo & Aquarium has options for everyone.
Why it matters
- The Great Plains Zoo and the Butterfly House & Aquarium both have holiday gift guides that include items to be purchased in-person at the gift shops, as well as membership deals or passes that can be purchased online.
- These guides also feature special deals including free ZooBucks when you buy or renew a Monarch membership as well as a new holiday ticket package including four tickets to either the zoo or butterfly house and $45 in ZooBucks for only $99.99.
- And for those who are tough to buy for – or maybe don't want more stuff – you can also Adopt an Animal starting at $50. It's a way to both support the zoo's conservation efforts and make visits to see your favorite animal even more special.
"Many people aren't looking for more things to collect dust in their closet – they're looking for fun experiences and ways to make memories as a family," said Denise DePaolo, director of PR and marketing. "A zoo or butterfly house membership is a great way to both create those memories and support the ongoing care of the animals you love to see."
Tell me more gift ideas
EVENTS
Stuff to do: Dec. 11-17
- Christmas at the Cathedral.* The 28th Annual Christmas at the Cathedral performance is happening next week. This year’s theme, “Go in Peace,” is a first-hand account of the monumental events surrounding Jesus’ birth. Event proceeds benefit the Bishop Dudley Hospitality House, as well as the ongoing care of the Cathedral of St. Joseph. Get your tickets here. (Or, follow Sioux Falls Simplified on Instagram for a chance to win two tickets for Thursday's performance!)
- See Scrooge.* The Premiere Playhouse will present its fourth annual production of A Christmas Carol starting this weekend with NINE performances over the next couple weeks. You may know the story, but that's nothing compared to the experience of seeing it in-person. This year's show features new casting, stage direction, musical arrangements, and choreography. Get your tickets here. Discounted tickets are available for students, seniors and large groups.
- See Santa. Mr. Claus has another very busy week in the Sioux Falls area, with visits to SoDak Soda on Friday evening (with cookies!), stops Saturday at the Washington Pavilion, then later at Falls Overlook Cafe, a Sunday breakfast at Swamp Daddy's followed by story time at the Old Courthouse Museum Sunday afternoon. Oh, and if you don't want to just see Santa, you can also play soccer with him Saturday evening at the Sanford Fieldhouse.
- It's a dog party! A big dog party! Actually, it's a holiday PAWty at Kirby Dog Park downtown hosted by the city's parks and recreation department. Saturday afternoon, stop by the park for a photo op, a canine ugly sweater contest and a number of dog-friendly vendors to help you stuff your pups' stockings. Details and registration here.
- It's jazz, Charlie Brown! DaDa Gastropub is hosting Charlie Brown Christmas jazz nights Friday and Saturday with live music from Studio B Jazz. Reservations are highly encouraged – get yours here.
- Support startups. Startup Sioux Falls is hosting a high-stakes pitch night where eight small businesses will share their story and compete for a chance to win $5,000 (and prepare to pitch for even more money at the Governor's Giant Vision Competition early next year). Watch it all go down – get your tickets here.
- Get holiday pet pics. Kelcey Schroder Photography is hosting "Grinch" holiday pet photo sessions this weekend for all of your pets who are too chaotic to handle other public photo sessions this holiday season. Plus, your payment will be donated to The Kitten League. Book your slot here.
*Denotes a paid event listing. Want to see your event shared here? Email megan@sfsimplified.com.
THIS AND THAT
What I'm falling for this week:
ICYMI
More Simplified Stories
How a gift became a full-circle moment for a local businessman
Joe Stanford opened Dream Home Appliance and Beds in June alongside his wife. Within a few months, the couple has already shown their commitment to giving back to the community – including a special gift for a local family.
Megan Raposa
What the city is prioritizing in 2025
Mayor Paul TenHaken on Thursday laid out his main focus areas going into the new year. Here’s a look at what’ll likely be making headlines in 2025.
Megan Raposa
What the City Council wants state lawmakers to focus on in 2025
The Sioux Falls City Council is looking to send a short and sweet wish list to lawmakers in Pierre, citing success with that approach last year.
Megan Raposa
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Thank you
Thank you to Sioux Falls Simplified sponsors, including Live on Stage, Dakota Adventure Supply, the Sioux Falls Development Foundation, the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation, Panther Premier Print Solutions, Barre3 Sioux Falls, the Great Plains Zoo, and the Sioux Metro Growth Alliance. When you support them, you're also supporting Sioux Falls Simplified.
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