Suddenly Summer 2019

summer suddenly

2019

recipes for

popsicles & s’moreos

How to Help Flowers Withstand Heat Waves

Calendar of summer events Campfire Cooking ideas

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marshall, mn

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Brookings, sd

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Events calendar of

June Events June 12-15

Tea, SD Teapot Days teasd.com

June 13

Aberdeen, SD Summer Concert Series Downtown aberdeendowntown.org

June 13

Clear Lake, SD Main Street Thursdays on 3rd Clear Lake SD Chamber of Commerce on FB

June 13-16

Hartford, SD Jamboree Days hartfordsdchamber.org

June 13-16

Brookings, SD “Beehive: The Musical” at SDSU prairierep.org

June 14

Brookings, SD PRIDE Night at Old Market Eatery Brookings PRIDE on FB

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June 14-15

Tabor, SD Czech Days taborczechdays.com

June 15

Roslyn, SD Vinegar Festival internationalvinegarmuseum.com

June 14-16

June 15-16

June 14-16

June 15-16

June 14-16

June 15-16

June 14-16

June 16

Lake Benton, MN Saddle Horse Holiday lakebentonminnesota.com

Garretson, SD Jesse James Days visitgarretson.com

Marion, SD Marion’s Summer Celebration marionsd.com

Garretson, SD Jesse James Days visitgarretson.com

Aberdeen, SD Arts in the Park Aberdeenareaartscouncil.com

Huron, SD Antique Power Show huronsd.com

Sioux Falls, SD South Dakota Peach Festival southdakotapeachfestival.com

Watertown, SD Father’s Day Fiesta at Bramble Park Zoo brambleparkzoo.com

Events calendar of

June 20-23

Brookings, SD “Insane with Power” at SDSU prairierep.org

June 20-22

Pipestone, MN Water Tower Festival pipestoneminnesota.com

June 20-23

Pierre, SD Oahe Days oahedays.com

June 21

Vermillion, SD Dalesburg Midsummer Festival dalesburg.org

June 21-22

Sioux Falls, SD 605 Summer Classic 605summerclassic.com

June 21-22

Estelline, SD Rodeo Days Estelline Rodeo Days on FB

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June 21-23

Dell Rapids, SD Quarry Days cityofdellrapids.org

June 21-23

Murdo to Kadoka Scavenger’s Journey scavengersjourney.com

June 22

June 23

Brookings, SD Dakota Royal Charity Draft Horse Show swiftelcenter.com

June 23

Madison, SD Prairie Village Variety Show prairievillage.org

June 23, 24, 27-30

Yankton,SD Rushmore Cup & SD Outdoor Target State Championships neyac.org/rushmore-cup

Marshall, MN “Mamma Mia!” at SMSU

June 22-23

June 23-29

Brookings, SD Kite & Bike Festival visitbrookingssd.com

marshallareastagecompany.org

Huron, SD National Junior High Finals Rodeo chamber.huronsd.com

Events calendar of

June 26-29

Clear Lake, SD 74th Annual Crystal Springs Rodeo crystalspringsrodeo.com

June 27-30

Brookings, SD “Wizard of Oz” at SDSU prairierep.org

June 29-30

Mitchell, SD Archeology Awareness Days mitchellindianvillage.org

June 29

Watertown, SD Farm Fun Day at Bramble Park Zoo brambleparkzoo.com

July Events July 2-4

Mobridge, SD Sitting Bull Stampede Rodeo mobridgeoutdoors.com

July 3-4

Watertown, SD South Dakota’s Biggest Fireworks Show Independence Day Parade watertownsd.com

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July 3-4

Lake Norden, SD Community BBQ Independence Day Celebration lakenorden.govoffice.com

July 3-6

July 4

Huron, SD Independence Day Celebration chamber.huronsd.com

July 4

Flandreau, SD Flandreau Sesquicentennial Flandreau 150th on FB

Yankton, SD Yankton Fireworks Over the Missouri visityanktonsd.com

July 4

July 4

Brookings, SD Parade & Uncle Sam Jam swiftelcenter.com

July 4

Ft. Pierre, SD Rodeo, Parade & Fireworks Stanley County Fairgrounds fortpierre.com

Chamberlain, SD Rock The Bluffs Fireworks Show chamberlainsd.com

July 4-7

Hendricks, MN Summerfest Hendricks MN Summerfest on FB

Brookings, sd

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Brookings, sd

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Brookings, sd

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Events calendar of

July 5-7

DeSmet, SD Laura Ingalls Wilder Pageant desmetpageant.com

July 5-6

Walnut Grove, MN Wilder Pageant walnutgrove.org

July 6

Mitchell, SD Cornstalk Music Jam cornpalace.com

July 6-7

July 6-7

Madison, SD Railroad Days prairievillage.org

July 11

Brookings, SD Downtown at Sundown downtownatsundown.org

July 11

Brookings, sd July 11

July 12-14

July 11-13

July 13

July 11-13

July 13-14

July 12-14

July 17

Aberdeen, SD Summer Concert Series Downtown aberdeendowntown.org

Sioux Falls, SD Hot Harley Nights hotharleynights.com

Edgerton, MN Annual Dutch Festival edgertonmn.com

Clear Lake, SD DeSmet, SD Main Street Thursdays on 3rd Laura Ingalls Wilder Pageant Clear Lake SD Chamber of desmetpageant.com Commerce on FB

Walnut Grove, MN Wilder Pageant/ TV Cast Reunion walnutgrove.org

Aberdeen, SD Crazy Days on Main Street aberdeendowntown.org

Brookings, SD Brookings Summer Arts Festival bsaf.com

Sioux Falls, SD Hot Summer Nites W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds hotharleynights.com

Gary, SD The Gary Rodeo Gary Rodeo on FB

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Events calendar of

July 17-21

July 18-21

July 18

July 19-20

July 18-21

July 19-20

Viborg, SD Danish Days danishdays.com

Brookings, SD Downtown at Sundown downtownatsundown.org

Mitchell, SD Corn Palace Stampede Rodeo cornpalacestampede.com

White, SD Pioneer Days Pioneer Days White SD on FB

Sioux Falls, SD Downtown Crazy Days dtsf.com

Huron, SD Summer Fest at Campbell Park chamber.huronsd.com

July 19-21

DeSmet, SD Laura Ingalls Wilder Pageant desmetpagent.com

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Events calendar of

July 19-20

July 20

July 19-20

July 19-20

Sioux Falls, SD Jazz Fest siouxfallsjazzfest.com

Huron, SD Ravine Lake Summer Festival chamber.huronsd.com

July 19-20

Aberdeen, SD Storybook Land Festival at Wylie Park visitaberdeensd.com

Brandon, SD Annual Hometown Days brandonhometowndays.com

Watertown, SD Cookin’ on Kampeska BBQ Cook-Off cookinonkampeska.com

July 19-21

Flandreau, SD 57th Annual Powwow Days crazycrow.com

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Events calendar of

July 25

Brookings, SD Downtown at Sundown downtownatsundown.org

July 25-27

Luverne, MN Rock County Fair luvernechamber.com

July 25-27

Pipestone, MN Crazy Days pipestoneminnesota.com

July 25-31

Lake Benton, MN “Shrek! The Musical” at Lake Benton Opera House lakebentonminnesota.com

July 26

Brookings, SD McCrory Gardens After Dark, Movie & Moth Watch mccrorygardens.com

July 26

Watertown, SD Sippin’ Safari at Bramble Park Zoo brambleparkzoo.com

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July 26

Brandon, SD Evening in the Vineyard wildeprairiewinery.com

July 26-28

Arlington, SD Arlington Days arlingtonsd.com

July 26-28

Bruce, SD Honey Days Bruce Honey Days on FB

July 26-27

Yankton, SD Rock-N-Rumble Motorcycle Rally Rock ‘n’ Rumble Yankton on FB

July 27

Madison, SD Discovery Day & Mart In The Park chamberofmadisonsd.com

July 27

Sioux Falls, SD Familyfest W.H. Lyons Fairgrounds visitsiouxfalls.com

July 27

Freeman, SD South Dakota Chislic Festival sdchislicfestival.com

July 27-29

Tyler, MN Aebleskiver Days Aebleskiver Days Celebration on FB

Brookings, sd

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mitchell, sd

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our region

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arlington, SD South Dakota Fun Fact It’s home to the most attractive billion-year-old rocks around.

South Dakota’s deposits of Sioux Quartzite are red and pink in color and estimated to be as old as two billion years. They look good on the outside but hold fascination within as well — at Palisades State Park in the southeast of the state, the 50ft quartzite cliffs and spires looming over Split Rock Creek contain catlinite, a rare, soft mineral used by Native Americans for making calumets (peace pipes). And their sheer spires make the Palisades one of the best climbing spots in the state.

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Events calendar of

July 31- August 3

August 2

August Events

August 2

Pipestone, MN Pipestone County Fair pipestoneminnesota.com

August 1

Brookings, SD Downtown at Sundown downtownatsundown.org

August 1-4

Lake Benton, MN “Shrek! The Musical” at Lake Benton Opera House lakebentonminnesota.com

Brookings, SD 32nd Annual Garden Party at McCrory Gardens mccrorygardens.com

Aberdeen, SD Summer Concert Series Downtown aberdeendowntown.org

August 2-3

Aurora, SD Gala Days Aurora Gala Days on FB

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Events calendar of

August 2-4

Lake Benton, MN Benton Fremont Days & Te Tonka Ha Rendezvous lakebenton.us

August 2-11

August 2-10

Sioux Falls, SD 80th Annual Sioux Empire Fair siouxempirefair.com

August 3

Sturgis, SD Sturgis Motorcycle Rally sturgismotorcyclerally.com

Aurora, SD Bloomin’ Quilt Party at the Bennett Barn brookingsquiltguild.com

August 2-4

August 3

Canton, SD 40th Annual Sioux River Folk Festival Newton Hill State Park sdfotm.org

Brandon, SD Garden, Winery & Brewery Tour wildeprairiewinery.com

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Events calendar of

August 3

Wessington Springs, SD Foothills Classic Car & Tractor Show City-Wide Rummage Sales wessingtonsprings.com

August 3-4

Flandreau, SD Riverside Park Days Riverside Park Days on FB

August 3-4

Huron, SD Men’s State Softball Tournament chamber.huronsd.com

August 4

Madison, SD 26th Annual Madison Car Show at Prairie Village prairievillage.org

August 7-11

Marshall, MN Lyon County Fair visitmarshallmn.com

August 8

Brookings, SD Downtown at Sundown downtownatsundown.org

hendricks, mn August 8-10

August 12-15

August 9-10

August 12-18

Vermillion, SD 66th Annual Clay County Fair claycountyfair.net

Colman, SD Looney Days Parade & Celebration colmansd.com

August 10-11

Geddes, SD Fur Trader Days geddessd.org

August 10-11

Scotland, SD Scottie Stampede Rodeo scottiestampede on FB

Parker, SD Turner County Fair turnercountyfair.com

Aberdeen, SD Brown County Fair browncountyfair.com

August 14-17

Slayton, MN Murray County Fair murraycountyfair.com

August 15

Brookings, SD Downtown at Sundown downtownatsundown.org

August 15

Clear Lake, SD Main Street Thursdays on 3rd Clear Lake SD Chamber of Commerce on FB

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hendricks & lake benton, mn

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lake benton, mn

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Events calendar of

August 16-18

Toronto, SD Hi Neighbor Days Toronto Hi Neighbor Days on FB

August 16-18

Marshall, MN Sounds of Summer Music Festival marshallsoundofsummer.com

August 16-18

Pipestone, SD Midwest Cornhole Assn Classic Tournament pipestoneminnesota.com

August 16-18

Yankton, SD 36th Annual Riverboat Days Summer Arts Festival riverboatdays.com

August 17

Brookings, SD Wing & Brew Festival at Swiftel Center visitbrookingssd.com

August 17

Altamont, SD Classic Car Show deuelarea.com

August 17

Sioux Falls, SD 7th Annual Downtown Riverfest dtsf.com

August 17

Slayton, MN Prairie Days Parade & Celebration slaytonareachamber.org

August 17-18

Arlington, SD Car Show & City-Wide Rummage Sales arlingtonsd.com

August 17-18

Sioux Falls, SD Sioux Falls Airshow SD Air National Guard siouxfallsairshow.com

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August 20-22 Mitchell, SD DakotaFest visitmitchell.com

August 21-25

Mitchell, SD Corn Palace Festival cornpalace.org

August 22-25

Madison, SD 57th Annual Steam Threshing Jamboree prairievillage.org

August 23

Brandon, SD Evening in the Vineyard wildeprairiewinery.com

August 23-24

Aberdeen, SD Sizzlin’ Summer Nights Car & Motorcycle Show aberdeendowntown.org

August 24-25

Vermillion, SD Great Dakota Wine Festival greatdakotawinefest.com

August 29-September 2 Huron, SD SD State Fair sdstatefair.com

August 30-September 2 Tracy, MN 92nd Annual Boxcar Days tracymn.org

volga, sd

Events calendar of

September Events

September 14-15

September 7

September 23

Brookings,SD Insect Festival mccrorygardens.com

Elkton, SD Elkton Hero Days Elkton Hero Days on FB

Last Day of Summer

September 8

Brookings,SD 9th Anniversary Celebration Children’s Museum of SD prairieplay.org

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elkton & bruce, sd South Dakota Fun Fact The stargazing is amazing.

South Dakota covers over 77,000 square miles, and given that it’s one of the least populated states in the US, there’s minimal light pollution. Translation: epic views of the night sky.

On moonless nights, the Milky Way is clearly defined among the thousands of stars visible with the naked eye, especially in Badlands National Park, which features some of the darkest skies in the nation.

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colman, sd

How to help flowers withstand heat waves Heat waves are an inevitable part of summer in many places across the globe.

While humans can escape indoors to air conditioned rooms when heat waves hit full swing, flowers planted around a property have no such luxury, putting their survival in jeopardy whenever the mercury rises to especially steamy heights.

Wilted flowers that have succumbed to the summer sun are a sight many gardening enthusiasts can recognize. But there are ways to keep flowers safe and vibrant during periods of extreme heat.

• Water at the appropriate times of day. The National Gardening Association notes that it’s best to water in the early morning and evening because less water will be lost to evaporation during these times of day than during the afternoon, when temperatures tend to be at their hottest.

• Choose the right watering method. It’s not just when but also how you

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colman & flandreau, sd water that can affect flowers during summer heat waves. Aboveground sprinklers might be great for lawns, but the NGA notes that such sprinklers can encourage the spread of disease on certain plants, including roses. Many gardening professionals recommend soaker hoses when watering flowers because they promote deep watering that can help the plants withstand the summer heat. If you must use an overheard watering system, set the timer so plants are watered in early in the morning or evening. • Routinely check the soil moisture. Soil moisture can help gardeners determine if their flowers have enough water to withstand the heat. The NGA advises gardeners to dig a 12-inch deep wedge of soil from their gardens to determine its moisture levels. If the top six inches of the soil is dry, water. If that area is still wet or moist, the plants have enough moisture to withstand

the heat. Check these moisture levels more frequently during heat waves than other times of year. • Avoid overwatering. Novice gardeners may be tempted to water more frequently when they see wilted leaves on their flowers. But wilted leaves are not necessarily indicative of suffering plants. Plants release moisture to protect themselves from excessive heat, and that release of moisture can cause leaves to wilt as the plants try to protect themselves by providing less surface area that can be exposed to the sun. So long as soil moisture levels are healthy, the flowers should be fine, even if their leaves have wilted.

No gardener wants to see their flowers succumb to the summer heat.

Fortunately, there are many ways to help flowers survive heat waves.

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lake norden, sd

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white, sd

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our region

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madison, sd

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madison, sd South Dakota Fun Fact It has more miles of shoreline than Florida.

South Dakota might be located smack in the center of the US, but it still has more miles of shore than the beachcombers’ state.

This is thanks in large part to Lake Oahe, a 231-mile-long reservoir along the Missouri River, but also many small lakes and tributaries of the Missouri. All that shoreline means more fishing, more swimming, more standup paddle boarding, more kayaking‌

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madison, sd

5 ways travel improves mood and personal health Vacations can be great ways to see the world, soak up some culture and get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

But traveling can have benefits that last longer than a one- or two-week vacation.

Traveling can have a positive effect on personal health and well-being, as various studies point to how travel can boost one’s state of mind and overall mood. The following are five ways that traveling can positively affect travelers’ mood and health.

1. Increases happiness: People are happiest when they have a trip coming up, according to researchers at the University of Surrey in the United Kingdom. A 2014 study from researchers at Cornell University confirms the findings, noting people get more happiness from anticipating a travel experience than from an object they can acquire.

2. Enhances creativity: The brain is influenced by new environments and experiences, which is the hallmark of travel. Researchers at the Columbia Business School found that travel can encourage people to embrace different ways of living and influence their outlook on life.

3. Stress relief: Travel is a great way to get away from obligations at home and at work, allowing the mind to reset without having to make decisions beyond figuring out which activities to do during the day or which foods to grab along the way. The mental wellness site Psych Central adds that vacations take people away from the places and activities that contribute to their stress levels.

4. Fosters change: Remembering pleasurable experiences from vacations when one returns home can be a positive behavioral intervention. Dr. Tamara McClintock Greenberg, a San Francisco-based clinical psychologist, says you can incorporate those feelings into daily life by recreating food or experiences at home.

5. Encourages exercise: Vacations can be full of swimming, walking, sightseeing, or participating in other fitness pursuits. According to the World Heart Federation, moderate exercise lowers risk of heart attack by 30 to 50 percent, suggesting that traveling is good for the mind and the body. Exercise also has been shown to combat depression and help reduce stress and anxiety.

Traveling can improve one’s mental health and overall well-being. Making time to take vacations is an important component of staying healthy.

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pipestone, mn

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our region

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golf guide

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golf guide & desmet, sd

Did you

know?

Longest Recorded Drive Was 515 Yards English-American pro golfer and kinesiology expert Michael Hoke Austin is credited with making the longest drive. While playing in the U.S. National Seniors Tournament in 1974, Hoke drove the ball a mind-boggling 515 yards. PGA champion Chandler Harper, Hoke’s foursome teammate, said “This is impossible, but there is a ball over here.”

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desmet, sd

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sioux falls, sd Strawberry Lemonade Popsicles INGREDIENTS:

1 3/4 cups strawberries 1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 5 medium lemons) 1/2 cup water 1 cup granulated sugar, divided You will need a popsicle mold and sticks

INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Add the diced strawberries and 2 T. sugar into a blender.

Blend until completely smooth.

2. Add to a 10 cavity popsicle mold being careful not to spill the puree down the sides.

3. Place in the freezer for 30 minutes.

4. In a small saucepan, add in water and remaining sugar.

Heat over medium just until the sugar is dissolved. This should take about 3 minutes of simmering.

5. Pour the lemon juice in with the simple syrup and stir.

6. Using a funnel, fill the remaining popsicle molds with lemonade.

7. Soak the wooden popsicle sticks in water for 1-2 minutes.

8. Add the popsicle sticks to the mold.

Place in freezer for at least 8 hours or overnight.

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brandon & sioux falls, sd

Did you

know?

The popsicle was invented by accident In 1905, an 11 year old boy in San Francisco named Frank Epperson accidentally left a cup of soda and a stirring stick outside his porch. The next morning, it was frozen. Seeing that it was a new way to enjoy the cold beverage, he began selling the frozen pop at an amusement park in New Jersey. In 1923, he launched “Epsicles” until his children persuaded him to change them to “Pop’s sicles”. Today, this summer favorite is made in various flavors, colors and shapes. Around two billion popsicles are sold every year.

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sioux falls, sd

S’moreos

You’ll never eat a normal s’more again after treating yourself to S’moreos. A roasted marshmallow, Nutella, and peanut butter are stuffed in the middle of an Oreo cookie, making the most delicious creation of all time.

Your camping trip just got better with this treat.

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Maximize your summer vacation Summer can fly by. Because summer can sometimes seem to come and go in a flash, it’s important for everyone to make the most of this relaxing time of year.

Vacations from work and school are great ways to make summer memories, and the following are some ways to get even more out of these relaxing breaks from the norm.

Disconnect for a few days.

Truly disconnect from electronic devices for a period of time to give yourself a mental break. Stop answering work emails, avoid social media and turn off reminders of things that do not need your attention while you are on vacation or taking a break.

Book a trip.

It’s not the destination but the opportunity to step away from the norm that can help make a person feel like he or she has truly gotten a break. Get away from your surroundings, if only for a weekend. Nearby resorts and water parks are great for short jaunts with the kids.

Take a week off just to relax.

Sometimes a person needs to recharge after going on vacation, as planning a trip and then the trip itself can require a lot of work. Staycations or devoting another week to just lounging around or catching up on tasks around the house can ease pressure. Then it’s possible to go back to work or school feeling even more recharged.

Get out of the house or office.

What’s the good of sunny skies and hot temperatures if you do not get to enjoy them? Make it a point to spend time outdoors every day. Go for a midday walk, sit in the park after work lets out or throw the ball around with the kids in the backyard. Sunlight can be great for the mind and body.

Doctors with the Heliotherapy, Light, and Skin Research Center at Boston University Medical Center say sunlight triggers the release of serotonin and other hormones associated with a good mood. Increased exposure to sunlight also can regulate circadian rhythms for better sleep. Sunlight can trigger the release of nitric oxide into blood vessels, helping to lower blood pressure.

Explore summer programs.

Adults and children can try new skills and explore different talents this summer. Sign up for a camp or a class that runs several weeks. This will help stimulate the mind.

Visit friends and family.

Now that schedules have loosened up, take the opportunity to increase time spent with friends or family members, whether they live close by or far away. Make it a point to reconnect with someone who has been out of touch.

Summer is a great time of year to take vacations and reconnect with nature and loved ones.

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sioux falls, sd How to instill a love of reading in youngsters Reading is a rewarding activity that can benefit people throughout their lives. A great way to pass time on a summer day at the beach, reading also can provide a host health benefits, some of which may surprise even the most avid reader.

According to a review from the Cochrane Library, a scientific review board in the United Kingdom, mentally challenging tasks may be beneficial for people with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease.

Mental stimulation improved scores on memory and thinking tests for people with dementia.

But the benefits of reading are perhaps even more profound for children. The University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital notes that reading and writing skills can help children perform better in the classroom and even benefit them down the road in their professional lives. When children read, they develop skills such as phonemic awareness, which is the ability to hear, identify and play with individual sounds in spoken words. Reading also can help kids develop their vocabulary and reading comprehension skills.

As much as parents promote reading to their youngsters, getting kids to embrace reading can be difficult. That may be especially true today, when children have distractions like tablets, phones and social media competing for their attention. Parents who want to make reading part of their family lifestyle can try these tips, courtesy of the C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital.

• Turn off your devices. The AAP says children youngster

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than 18 months should be discouraged from using screen media other than video chatting. Children between 18 and 24 months of age should only use digital devices together with their parents. For children older than two years of age, screen use should be limited to no more than one hour per day. Turning off these devices and promoting reading limits kids’ exposure to digital media while providing a perfect opportunity to read.

• Set an example. Children mimic their parents’ behavior.

Kids who see their parents reading books, magazines and newspapers may be more likely to embrace reading than youngsters who do not see their parents reading.

• Read as a family. The C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital notes that reading together with children is a wonderful way for parents to foster a language-rich environment in their families. Reading can open lines of communication between parents and children, providing a chance for them to discuss books and their themes.

• Visit the library. A trip to the library can help children discover books that align with their interests. Such books may serve as a catalyst for a love of reading in youngsters.

A love of reading can benefit youngsters in numerous ways. Parents can try various strategies to instill a love of reading in their children.

sioux falls, sd

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tips to travel without

busting the budget If people waited to get rich to see the world, they may never travel to destinations near and far. Even though many people view travel as a luxury, there are plenty of ways to take trips even when money is tight.

In a 2018 survey of 1,000 people ages 18 and older, Bankrate found that nearly half of respondents planned to skip travel that year. Among the 49 percent of respondents who weren’t planning a vacation, 50 percent said they just couldn’t afford it. By prioritizing travel as a goal, cuts can be made elsewhere so there’s money in the budget for vacations.

Proper planning, research and a go-with-the-flow attitude can make budget-friendly traveling a realistic possibility. Here’s how to get started.

Maximize your card rewards.

If you’re excellent about paying for credit card bills in full each month, shop around for cards that offer the most travel bang for your buck. Hefty sign-on bonus points enable you to rack up travel dollars after a set amount of spending. Those “miles” or “points” can be turned into hotel rooms, airline tickets, rental cars, and more.

Be flexible on travel dates.

Set up alerts for when fares drop and be able to leave when rates are the lowest. Various apps, such as Yapta or Hopper, will send price notifications on flights being tracked. Keep your bags packed

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and be ready to go when you find your budgeted price.

Cut lodging costs when possible.

Travel to destinations where you know someone and you can enjoy a few nights of free accommodations. Even two or three nights in someone’s guest room or on their sofa can save a few hundred dollars in overall costs. Airbnb and Vacation Rentals By Owner are some additional services that can pair travelers with price-savvy spots to stay. Hostels are dorm-style rooms that also make for cheap accommodations if you don’t need much space or luxury.

Travel a little to travel a lot.

The nearest airport may not offer the best deals for your budget.

Consider increasing your travel radius several miles and fly out of a different airport and even a smaller one. Also, when booking hotels, look beyond city centers or tourist areas. Rates decrease the further out you go.

Travel together to split the costs.

Get a group together and maximize the savings, advises Credit Karma. You may be able to score group rates to events, or you can split the cost of a larger condo or home among all travelers.

Budgeting for travel and learning how to vacation for less can help anyone get away when they desire.

marshall, mn Campfire Casserole Mix your favorite ground meat (beef, chicken or pork) with kidney beans and cubed bacon (leftover from breakfast works well). Add barbecue sauce or diced tomatoes, depending on your preference.

Allow to simmer in a Dutch oven on low for 45 minutes to an hour.

Season to taste. During the last 10 minutes of cooking, place refrigerated biscuits over the top of the casserole, cover and cook until the biscuits are done.

Get fired up about

campfire cooking Camping season revs up when the temperature warms. In a recent survey by Kampgrounds of America, Inc., the main reasons people say they go camping are to reconnect with nature, spend time with family and friends and reduce stress and relax.

The roughly 40 million people who go camping in the United States each year also may have food on their minds. Campfire cooking — which involves cooking over an open fire and eating outdoors — makes camping that much more enjoyable for many people.

Campfire cooking is about simplicity of ingredients and ease of cooking. Chances are campers do not want to lug too many cooking instruments to the campsite, so ingredients that are portable and can cook quickly over an open fire are attractive. Cast iron skillets, grills and Dutch ovens often are the gear of choice. Here are some delicious campfire meals to try on your next camping trip.

Seafood No-Boil Cut foil sheets about 12 inches long. Add 5 to 6 shrimp, one quarter of an ear of corn, a few slices of smoked andouille sausage, a lemon slice, and seasonings to taste. Fold the foil packets carefully to seal in the ingredients. Place the packets on a grill over the campfire and allow to cook for around 10 to 15 minutes.

Skillet Pizza Place a little cornmeal and oil on the bottom of a cast iron skillet.

Spread refrigerated pizza dough out on the skillet. Cover with pizza sauce, cheese and favorite toppings and cook over the fire until the cheese boils and the crust browns.

Campsite Cobbler Line a Dutch oven with aluminum foil. Mix together a yellow cake mix, 11⁄4 cups water and 1⁄2 cup canola oil and pour over two cans of a favorite pie filling flavor in the pot. Prepare the campfire for low heat. Put the Dutch oven in the ashes and cover with remaining ash or charcoal briquettes. Cook until bubbly, around 30 to 40 minutes.

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minnesota 7 Pet Safety Tips for Fourth of July courtesy of Michelson Found Animals Foundation

With crowds of unfamiliar people and loud, scary noises, the Fourth of July can make even the most laid-back, four-legged family members apprehensive and unpredictable.

“Research shows that more pets are lost on the Fourth of July than any other day of the year and animal shelters are most crowded after the holiday, filled with lost dogs and cats,” said Aimee Gilbreath, executive director, Michelson Found Animals Foundation. “Taking steps to protect your pet can help ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday for the whole family.”

These tips can help keep your pet comfortable and secure: 1. Get identification tags. A collar and external ID tags are quick and easy ways to identify your pet if lost, and they make him or her instantly recognizable as someone’s pet. What information you provide on the tags may vary depending on your personal security concerns, but at the very least, include a phone number. If you’re concerned about noisy dangling tags, or the tags snagging and pulling loose, choose a flat style that affixes to the fabric of the collar.

2. Get your pet a microchip and register it. A registered microchip is one of the best ways to identify a lost pet who has slipped out of his or her collar. However, pet owners may falsely assume that just because their pet has a microchip, they’ve taken the necessary steps. It’s critical your pet’s microchip is registered with your current contact information, and Found Animals recommends updating your contact info anytime you move or change phone numbers. If you’ve adopted your pet from a rescue or other organization, it’s important to transfer the chip registration. Register your pet’s microchip for free at found.org.

3. Avoid the crowds. Avoid bringing your pooch to crowded events, parades and other gatherings with a lot of commotion or people. A combination of heat, loud noises, packed spaces and scorching blacktops can be stressful and harmful to your pet’s health. It’s especially wise to avoid bringing your pets to firework events, as they could panic and run.

4. Gear up with a leash and harness. Even leash-trained pets can get spooked by Fourth of July festivities. Secure pets with a well-fitting leash and collar or harness. Remember an anxious pet may slip out of a collar or repeatedly tug against a leash, so it may be necessary to take extra precautions.

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5. Fit in a workout. Be sure to give your pets lots of exercise during the day so they’ll be a little worn out before the scary noises start at night. A long run or play session during the day may help with your pet’s overall stress and anxiety levels.

6. Create a safe space inside and away from fireworks. Confining movement in dogs and cats actually has a calming effect on them. Provide your pet with a safe space, such as a cozy bed, room or crate. Also close windows and doors to minimize sound and escape routes. Another option is an anti-anxiety wrap or coat. In a pinch, if you’re away from home, you can even create one from a scarf.

7. Try a calming aid. If you’re worried about a pet that stresses easily, talk to your vet in advance about CBD and anti-anxiety treats, chews, drops or other remedies that can help your pet relax. There are plenty of prescription and homeopathic solutions out there that can help your pet get the extra dose of relaxation he or she needs.

Find more summertime tips for your pets at foundanimals.org.

our state

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watertown, sd Kid-friendly weekend getaways in the great outdoors Weekend getaways in the great outdoors can be a great way for families to break from the norm and spend some quality time together while getting some fresh air. Such trips are popular, as the U.S. Travel Association notes that nearly three out of four domestic trips are taken for leisure purposes.

Families looking to get away from home on weekends often look for activities or locales that appeal to kids and parents alike while getting everyone out of the house. The following are a handful of outdoor getaway ideas the whole family can enjoy.

• HIKING: By 2015, the United States was home to nearly 240,000 miles of hiking trails on federal and state lands. Hiking opportunities also are abundant in Canada, where the 2016 General Social Survey found that 44 percent of Canadians go hiking in a given year, making it the country’s most popular outdoor activity.

Hiking is a rewarding, healthy hobby that also happens to be free, which can be especially appealing to budget-conscious parents.

When exploring potential hiking destinations, parents should look for parks with kid-friendly trails. Many parks have paved trails on flat surfaces, which are ideal for families with small children.

• RIVERS/LAKES: Escaping to a nearby river or lake for a day on the water can make for a memorable, family-friendly getaway. Look for activities like fishing and bring your own rods or rent from nearby bait and tackle shops. If cruising is more your family’s style, look for boat tours that offer a chance to explore local history while giving the whole family a chance to relax on a boat and soak up some sun.

• ZOO/AQUARIUM: According to the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, there are more than 220 accredited zoos and aquariums in the United States and Canada. That makes it easy for families that live just about anywhere to plan day trips to local zoos, where they can spend the day soaking up some sun and marveling at exotic wildlife. Zoos and aquariums with outdoor exhibits make for wonderful, family-friendly weekend getaways.

• THEME PARKS: Theme parks make for a great weekend getaways for families. Many theme parks even offer rides and attractions for young children, but parents should call ahead to confirm this before planning their trips.

Weekend getaways are great ways for families to spend time in the great outdoors and take advantage of local attractions. With some simple investigation, families might find there are lots of local attractions within driving distance of their homes.

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Did You Know?

Fireflies are often seen lighting up the night sky on warm evenings.

They are particularly abundant during the summer months. One reason that fireflies glow is to attract mates. Males will flash, and females will respond to mates they find interesting. Fireflies also may glow to avoid predators. The luciferase enzyme in firefly cells causes a chemical reaction that stimulates light, a phenomenon called bioluminescence. Fireflies are filled with lucibufagins, a poor-tasting chemical that turns off predators from attacking the blinking bug.

Some fireflies cannot light up at all and use pheromones to attract mates. Fireflies can be fun to catch and release and also beneficial to have around. In the larval stage, fireflies will eat destructive insects.

Adult fireflies may feed on nectar and could help to pollinate plants.

Despite their name, fireflies aren’t really flies. They actually are a type of beetle. Fireflies are difficult to spot during the day because they’re often resting on leaves or plants. It’s only at night when their brilliant light show comes alive.

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