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Old Settlers' Weekend 2026

June 19-21, 2026

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The community of Highmore holds Old Settlers' Weekend annually the third weekend in June. It is set for June 19, 20 and 21 for 2026. The community comes together each year to offer a variety of different events. Our goal is to make Old Settlers' Weekend fun for the whole family. ​

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We had such a great 2025 event! We look forward to 2026! You can check back in May/June 2026 to see what the weekend schedule will look like. 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! 

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Tentative 2026 Schedule of Events

There will be much more to come! Be sure to check back as we get closer to June. 

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THURSDAY

6:30 P.M. Music in the Park

At the South Park (Pool Park) on the new Richard Hamlin Memorial Bandstand, hosted by Highmore Area Council of the Arts. There will be a dedication and refreshments by the Hamlin family.

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FRIDAY

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9 - 11 A.M. Rolls and Coffee at the Senior Center

11:30 A.M. Lunch at the Senior Center

6 P.M. Coronation at Hyde County Memorial Auditorium

7 P.M. SD Farmers Union Bull Bash at the Highmore Rodeo Arena

Highmore Civic and Commerce hosts the annual SD Farmer's Union Bull Bash. Gates open at 6 p.m. Calcutta at 7 p.m. Bull riding to follow. Food/concession will be offered by the Knight's of Columbus. No coolers. Entry fee for spectators is $10. Nine and under is free. We'll be doing a bike drawing for the kids (four bikes, must be present to win)! This is a TPBR sanctioned event. Call 605-222-0267 to register to ride. Hosted by Highmore Civic and Commerce.

Gold sponsors: Venture Communications, Quoin Financial Bank, Kroeplin Air LLC, Luce, Luze, Reck Funeral Homes, East River Electric Cooperative, Jan Busse Ford, Titan Machinery, Prairie Grain Partners, Kimball Livestock Exchange, Agtegra. Championship Belt Buckle: Gutzmer Family in memory of Julie Gutzmer. Bike sponsors:  Highmore Herald, The Kut Hut, Hydeout B&B, Mashek Food Center, Dakota Radio Group, Highmore Health, CJ Designs, Miller Rexall Drug. 

8 P.M. - 12 A.M.  Street Dance at the Fire Hall

Sponsored by Highmore Volunteer Fire Department.

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SATURDAY

7:30 A.M. Color Run at the South Park

Register by 7 a.m. at the South Park (pool park). 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 - 11 A.M. Rolls and Coffee at the Senior Center

9:30 A.M. - 4:30 P.M. All Alumni Art Show at 118 Commercial Ave. 

10:30 A.M. Parade

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 Chirch on 4th St. Prizes for best float, best class float, best entry other than a float and best overall theme float. 

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 A.M. Lunch at the Senior Center

1 P.M. Kids Tractor Pull near Vilas Pharmacy on Commercial Ave.

Sponsored by Titan Machinery. Sanctioned event.

1 P.M. - 3 P.M. Brownie Sundaes with SDSU Ice Cream Free Will Donation

Hosted by Our Savior Lutheran SonDay School with proceeds going to support children's activities. 

1 P.M - 4 P.M. Kids inflatables at the Auditorium - FREE

Hosted by Highmore Civic and Commerce.

2 P.M.  Co-ed Adult Sand Volleyball at the South Park (Pool Park).

Hosted by the Richard Hamlin family. Must be over the age of 18 to participate. Entry fee $250. Three match guarantee - cash payout. Register by contacting Mary Beth Hamlin at 605-870-0858 or email at dihamlin@venturecomm.net. Proceeds to go to construction costs of Richard Hamlin Memorial Bandstand.

2 P.M. - 4 P.M. Open House at the Historical Society Museum

The museum is open 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. Highmore's first schoolhouse will be open on 4th street, on the north side of the current school 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.

3 P.M. - 5:30 P.M. 19th Annual Car Show on Commercial Ave.

Free entry. Awards in 13 classes. Registration on site at 2 P.M. Check out the flyer or more information contact Alan Schwedhelm at 402-427-3206.

3:30 P.M. Kids Coin Dig at the South Park (Pool Park)

This fun new event for the kids will be in the pool park. It is open to kids eight and under. There will be three separate age divisions. It will be in the sandbox. 

5:30 P.M. - 7:30 P.M. Music on Commercial Ave. by the Dirty Boot Band

Sponsored by Jan Busse Ford. Located across from the Fire Hall. Bring a lawn chair!

5:30 - 7:30 P.M. Smoked Roast Beef Meal at the Fire Department on Commercial Ave.

Hosted by Highmore Volunteer Fire Department.

7 - 8:30 P.M. Bingo at Hyde County Memorial Auditorium

Hosted by Little Pirates Childcare/Hyde County Childcare Development. BYOB. Coolers welcome. 16 rounds with a $25 Highmore dollar prize and a $100 black out prize. 

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SUNDAY

9:30 A.M. Interdenominational Worship Service

At Hyde County Memorial Auditorium.

10 A.M. Venture Communications Golf Tournament

Two-man best ball; Register by 9:30 A.M.

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