So much to do on June 22, no literally.
People who say there is nothing to do in Sioux City must not look very hard.
When I say I have blocked out my ENTIRE Saturday, June 22, it’s a full one.
If you need an excuse to get out of the house, this is your golden ticket and I have a full itinerary for one of the busiest Saturdays in June.
8 AM: Sioux City Farmers Market
It’s often marked into people’s weekly routines and has gained popularity over the summer. The Sioux City Farmers Market takes over the Tyson Event Center Parking lot each Saturday. I love to support our local farmers (especially after the weather we’ve seen lately!) They welcome everyone who wants to stop by for a coffee, homemade breakfast items, dog treats, wines, and fresh produce. They will be linking a full list of vendors on their virtual map found at this link.
11 AM: Art Affair 2024
Sioux City has a thriving art community full of creatives. Art Affair will be on 4th Street in front of Art SUX Gallery at 515 4th Street. I ventured out to this last year and the art you’ll see on display is amazing! It is another free event to take your family to or browse down the vendor alley. the proceeds benefit Art SUX for Kids Foundation, a non-profit organization providing art education and opportunities for children in the Siouxland community. Last year was its first year back after a 4-year hiatus due to the pandemic. I have a few artists I’m looking forward to seeing what they have to offer this year.
Noon: Ribfest
I am SO Excited about this as I am a judge for the contest for the first time ever. I was introduced to this event in 2019 when I was a baby reporter only having lived here 2 weeks and was asked to be in the dunk tank representing the TV station, KMEG14. What I didn’t know is I was the only female hitting the platform and let’s just say people got a little happy with that button and having me splash into the water over and over… and over. As for the RIBS I am ecstatic to help support Camp High Hopes and their mission to treat kids will all abilities to best the summer camp experience. I loved camp growing up (as long as AC was available) and if this is one small thing I can do to help make camp more accessible to them, SIGN ME UP! To get in, it’s $12 at the gate, and kids aged 12 and under can join the fun for free. Once you are in the doors, grab a punch card is $12 getting you 5 tastings.
Noon to Midnight: June Jam
Let’s take a look at the history of this event, shall we? Toms Munson, Archives Manager of the Sioux City Public Museum weighed in on the history of the festival, “I believe the first official June Jam was held in 1998. Although an event with the same name took place in 1997. In 2004 the event was re-named Rockin’ in Summer. And then the June Jam name reemerges in the newspaper in 2012.”
Back in 1997, it was a ticketed event with just two headliners held at Lewis and Clark's ballpark headlined by Chicago and The Beach Boys. Did anyone go to the first official June Jam?
In 1998, Downtown Sioux City became the home to the event increasing the number of bands to 40 stretching across downtown 4th Street.
Fast forward to this year, it’s coming back out of the woodwork. This year June Jam has taken on a new form with 3 stages, one of them named the “activity stage” with game shows and comedy hours.
Whether you play sand volleyball or cornhole, plan to scarf down some food made by some of the local vendors, or want to set up a chair by a stage and drink a beer, there is something for everyone on June 22nd from Noon to Midnight.
12 PM: Flower House Tours
I spent my Wednesday wandering around the wildflower gardens at a hidden gem location right up the street from downtown Sioux City. Loess Hills Wild Ones Group is hosting Tea Party, Garden Tour, and Plant Swap. This wonderful group of ladies is passionate about creating beautiful scenery and habitat for the wildlife in the Northwest Iowa region. Public tours are available from Noon until 1 p.m. Did I mention it’s being hosted at The Flower House? It’s the cutest remodeled home with an old-century feel with a modern twist. I got a personal tour of her tea cup collection. Did I mention there are flowers? You’ll surely want to make time for this event! Address: 3725 Jackson Street, Sioux City, IA 51104.
4 PM: Sioux City Summerfest
The annual carnival is coming back to the Tyson Event Center parking lot! If you drive down I-29 you might see the rides and carnival games getting set up. It will be in town June 21st through July 5th so if you don’t have time on the 22nd to visit, add it to your planner for next time!
Don’t forget your bug spray! Here is one of my recent articles at KTIV. Be gone bug bites, doctors offer prevention tools for the pesky insects
Pop quiz answer: The iPhone.
Sounds like fun!