The East River Horizons Team is putting the final touches on the plans related to the upcoming Labor Day weekend. The weekend kicks off with a special “Unity Buffalo Dedication and Concert” on the north side of Wagner Lake. This special event is a continuation of the “605 Unity Jam” that was a one day culture and music celebration that was held at the Wagner Lake in June. The event focused on increasing culture awareness, understanding, acceptance and appreciation for all cultures in our area. The event brought attention to building positive relationships locally and between communities. In addition, it also helped promote Wagner Lake as a positive community asset and our area in our community.

The “605 Unity Jam” invited our community to work together to accomplish a shared goal. It helped build partnerships within the community that required active involvement by a variety of different people. It created an activity for everyone to feel welcome and participate in, as well as to help build community through active involvement with local businesses, the Yankton Sioux Tribe, community organizations, local agencies and volunteers all working together to partner with Horizons to support and operate a successful community event.

The culture and music celebration was a culmination of an entire year of preparation by the East River Horizons Team and volunteers. The ideas presented led to the development of the “605 Unity Jam” and also created the development of a special community art project that is intended to help carry on the message of unity in our community for years to come. Two art sculptures, in the shape of the iconic buffalo, have been professionally painted using the inspirational artistic ideas of area 5th graders to create beautiful artistic sculptures. The dedication of the “Unity Buffalo Project” will help kick off the Labor Day weekend with a concert, presentations and an unveiling for the art created. The event will be held at the north side of Wagner Lake beginning with a concert at 5:00 p.m., the dedication and presentations and statue unveiling at 6:00 p.m. followed by more concert after 7:00 p.m.. Prior to the unveiling comments will be shared by leaders of the Yankton Sioux Tribe and the Wagner Chamber of Commerce. The concert will feature singer song writer Kobe Provost. He is a very talented musical so make plans to bring a lawn chair and enjoy the music. Those wanting to enjoy the concert and have supper should plan on purchasing their meal from Shingigs Catering during the event as they will be at the event selling some great food. The evening will end with plenty time to go on the next great Labor Day event sponsored at the Wagner armory.

When this event is concluded the Horizon’s Team then begin preparing to assist with the Labor Day “Festival In The Park” on Sunday and Monday. Horizons will be bringing a wide variety of music and entertainment to the two days of the festival so there should be something interesting for every taste in music. Those attending the event should plan on shopping fun and great music to go along with the day. Remember to bring a lawn chair to help enjoy the day. Also plan to come to the center of the park on Sunday afternoon and enjoy the “Free Watermelon Feed” that will take place at 3:30 p.m.