Old Settlers' Weekend 2026
June 19-21, 2026
Three days of small-town fun, tradition and community —
The community of Highmore holds Old Settlers' Weekend annually the third weekend in June. Its one of central South Dakota's longest running community celebrations! Enjoy family-friendly activities all weekend!
Parade
Bull Bash
Ranch Rodeo
Street Dance
Live Entertainment
Car Show
Inflatables
Food and Vendors!
We had such a great 2025 event! We look forward to 2026! If you're having a class reunion in 2026, please call Mary Ann at the Highmore Herald 605-870-2927 to schedule a class picture.
Old Settlers' Weekend is a community effort, put on by volunteers from a variety of groups, organizations and businesses. Each year, we seek individuals to assist us with the tasks it takes to make Old Settlers' Weekend a great experience for all. This takes many amazing volunteers. Even an hour is enough. If you have any questions or want to volunteer, please send us a message on Facebook. We also love new ideas!
2026 Schedule of Events
THURSDAY
6:30 P.M. Live Music
Music in the south park (pool park) at the Dick Hamlin Memorial Bandstand, hosted by Highmore Area Council of the Arts. The City of Highmore will also be having a Community Volunteer Recognition at 7:30.
FRIDAY
9 - 11 A.M. Rolls and coffee
In the east wing of Hyde County Memorial Auditorium hosted by the Senior Citizens
11:30 A.M. Lunch
In the east wing of Hyde County Memorial Auditorium hosted by the Senior Citizens
6 P.M. Coronation
Coronation of the royalty and music by Collin Otteson at Hyde County Memorial Auditorium
5 P.M. Ranch rodeo
At Highmore Rodeo Arena, hosted by the Highmore Roundup Club; Calcutta begins at 5 p.m. with the first event at 5:30; no coolers, concessions available. Free admission. Contact Jake Rinehart 605-870-2031 or Clay Cowan 605-870-6233. We'll be doing a bike drawing for the kids (two bikes, must be present to win)!
7 P.M. Class of 1996 reunion
At Willow Creek
9 P.M. - 1 A.M. Street dance
Street dance with live music by Urbandale Lane at the Fire Hall, sponsored by Highmore Volunteer Fire Department, admission $10
SATURDAY
7:30 A.M. Walk/Run
At the south park (pool park), register at 7:30 a.m. The walk/run starts at 8 a.m. The route starts and ends at the South Park. There is a participation fee of $10 which includes a t-shirt. Sponsored by Highmore Civic and Commerce
9 A.M. Coffee Cantina
Coffee Cantina will be set up outside Vilas Pharmacy serving Lotus, black coffee and lemonade on Commercial Ave.
9 - 11 A.M. Rolls and coffee
In the east wing of Hyde County Memorial Auditorium hosted by the Senior Citizens
10:00 A.M. Sizzle and Sip
Sizzle and Sip food truck will be open 10 AM - 5 PM and 7 PM - 3 AM (Sunday). They'll close 5-7 on Saturday for the FIreman's Meal.
10:00 A.M. Parade
Parade theme is: Celebrating America. No preregistration required. Parade travels from Highmore Health to Commercial Ave., North to First St., turns west to Iowa Ave. and South to the school. Floats are to enter on the west side of the nursing home. No one is allowed to enter from the South on Ash Ave. Parking is available for horse trailers on the north side of Our Savior Lutheran Church on 4th St.
11 A.M. - 5 P.M. Vendor fair
At Hydeout Bed and Breakfast at 315 Commercial Ave. Contact Beth at the HydeOut Bed & Breakfast to sign up as a vendor.
11:00 A.M. Lunch
In the east wing of Hyde County Memorial Auditorium hosted by the Senior Citizens
1 P.M - 4 P.M. Kids inflatables
Sponsored by Simplot
FREE ADMISSION at the Highmore Harrold School Gym Sponsored by Simplot, hosted by Highmore Civic and Commerce, use the West door.
1 P.M. - 4 P.M. Museum open house
The Hyde County Historical Society Museum is open 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. Highmore's first school house will be open on 4th street, on the north side of the current school 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
2 P.M. - 3 P.M. SDSU ice cream
SDSU ice cream (and brownies!) in the east wing of Hyde County Memorial Auditorium. Hosted by Our Savior Lutheran SonDay School with proceeds going to support vacation bible school. Free-will offering.
2 P.M. Bingo
In the east wing of Hyde County Memorial Auditorium - 3 cards/$1 - Prizes, cash and more! $300 for final game Hosted by the Senior Citizens Center.
2 P.M. Corn-hole tournament
At Chevy's Bar & Grill; register at 2 P.M., starts at 3 P.M. - $20 entry fee
3 P.M. - 5:30 P.M. Car show
20th annual car show n Commercial Ave. Free entry. Registration on site at 2 P.M. Awards at 5:15 P.M. For more information, contact Alan Schwedhelm at 402-427-3206.
In west wing of Hyde County Memorial Auditorium
5 P.M. Minnow races
At Chevy's Bar & Grill; register at 5 P.M., starts at 6 P.M. - $5 entry fee
5:30 - 7:30 P.M. Fireman's meal
Smoked roast beef sandwich, corn, potato salad and water ($15) or hot dog, corn chips and water ($10) at the Highmore VFD on Commercial Ave. Support an important cause!
6:30 P.M. South Dakota Farmers Union Bull Bash
At the Highmore Rodeo Arena, Highmore Civic and Commerce hosts the annual SD Farmers Union Bull Bash. Gates open at 6:00 p.m. Calcutta at 6:30 p.m. Bull riding to follow (including juniors). Women's Civic League will be serving up popcorn and snow cones. Malt beverages available. No coolers. Entry fee for spectators is $10. Nine and under is free. We'll be doing a bike drawing for the kids (two bikes, must be present to win)! This is a TPBR sanctioned event. Call 605-222-0267 to register to ride.
Gold Sponsors
Jan Busse Ford
Wilbur-Ellis
Quoin Financial Bank
Kaiser Welding and Blacksmithing
Heartland State Bank & Heartland Financial Services
East River Electric
Agtegra
Kimball Livestock
PGP
Venture Communications
Titan Machinery
Swenson Cowan Dental
9:30 P.M. Live music
Live music by KC Hughes and the Wayard Travelers at Chevy's Bar and Grill
SUNDAY
9:00 A.M. Breakfast
In the east wing of the Hyde County Memorial Auditorium hosted by the Senior Citizens
9:30 A.M. Worship service
Interdenominational worship service at the Dick Hamlin Memorial Bandstand in the south park (pool park)
10 A.M. Venture Communications golf tournament
Two-man best ball; Register by 9:30 A.M.