The 605 Unity JAM is just a few weeks away and the interest in what the day will look like is being talked about regularly. The event is set for Sunday, June 12 at the Wagner Lake in Wagner, S.D.. This event is promoting cultural awareness, understanding, appreciation and acceptance. The very first supporting unity partners involved in this project beyond the original 605 Unity Team were the Yankton Sioux Tribe and the Wagner Chamber of Commerce. The area business community is stepping up to help to financially help make this event possible. The event features a music, cultural demonstrations, games, food trucks, arts/ crafts vendors, cardboard boat races, inflatables, a youth fishing clinic/derby and more.

The day will begin with an open air church service with a few area churches involved, for those who would like to attend . The Unity JAM will begin at 12:00 noon, with a wide variety of music throughout the day. One interesting part will involve a “cardboard boat” race that will be held on the lake to help raise interest and funds for a new Wagner Community Swimming Pool. Also note that all vendors will not be charged to participate as is typical, however a “free will” offering to the swimming pool fund will be available for them so they can also help support the community effort to build a new pool for the community youth. The entertainment throughout the day will consist of country, pop, big band, original music and a special “50’s and 60’s style band” from Des Moines Iowa later in the evening. A “50‘s and 60‘s dress contest” will be part of the music style as well. The event will also feature cultural demonstrations and presentations involving a “hoop dance”, a “traditional Czech cultural dance”, a “kolache eating contest” and more throughout the day. The event is “free” to all, however those attending are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket for comfort.

Pictured here are several members of the 605 Unity Team who are doing the planning and organizing for the event, along with one of the two “Unity Buffalo” that have been especially created for “Community Art” to help remind us of the importance of unity and cooperation within our community long after the event is over. The project is a reflection of who our community is at this point in time and about the importance of working together if we truly want our community to thrive and grow into the future that is waiting for us. Members appearing in the photo are (L-R/front row) are: Dana Sanderson, Alaina Bechen, Arianne Gabato, Isabella Kreber, (L-R back row) are: Ericka Kotab, Brenda Jaton, Leon Flying Hawk and Nick Dion.