SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — Despite the hot weather, people gathered on Saturday in downtown Sioux Falls to celebrate Juneteenth. Carl Teer was chosen as this year’s Grand Marshal, but while he’s enjoying his time at the festival, he’s also taking steps to keep himself safe from the weather.
“Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. All day yesterday and today. That’s basically it, though. Little sunscreen,” said Carl Teer.
Julian Beaudion, who is the president of Juneteenth Sioux Falls, says planning the event is a year-round process. He hopes to see similar numbers as previous years.
“We understand that the heat is certainly going to be a concern,” said Beaudion. “We got a canopy out here, cover canopy for folks to come sit down and eat. We got some misters going.”
Beaudion says they were prepared for the heat, and that’s one of the reasons they were handing out free drinks. But he’s noticed other ways people are adapting to the weather.
“You know, I think people are not coming as long this year. There’s a lot of pop and goes. I’ve seen a lot of people come out and they’ve said, ‘hey, I had to make sure I come out to support, I’m not going to be able to stay long because it is a little hot,'” said Beaudion.
One of the main themes of the Juneteenth Festival was consistent- perseverance when it comes to any issue, including the heat.
“So, if that means that we have to persevere through difficult times, so be it. Social climate not being as accepting, so be it,” said Teer. “But if we have to overcome or persevere through this type of inclement weather, we figure out how to persevere, represent ourselves and be a positive impact on our community. And that’s what it’s about right there.”
