Mitchell event calendar highlights Corn Palace Festival and Sturgis pre-party activities

The July 8, 2025, meeting of the Mitchell Sports & Events Authority focused on upcoming events and logistical challenges related to the Corn Palace Festival. Key discussions included the annual Palace City pre-Sturgis party scheduled for July 31, and the highly anticipated Corn Palace Festival, which will feature performances by Justin Moore and Brett Michaels.

Dave, a member of the authority, highlighted the festival's lineup, noting that Micah Tyler, a top Christian artist, will headline Bridal Night. The festival is set to take place in August, with plans for carnival games and pre-stage entertainment. However, there are ongoing discussions about the carnival's location due to street repairs on Main Street, which have affected previous layouts.

Concerns were raised about the timing and execution of decorating the Corn Palace, a tradition that has faced challenges in recent years. Members expressed frustration over the inability to complete the decoration process in a timely manner, which has historically been done in September. The authority is exploring options to streamline this process, including potentially hiring an outside organization to assist with the murals.

In addition to event planning, the meeting also addressed the importance of promoting local events through various channels, including the Mitchell Chamber events calendar and a dedicated Facebook page. This initiative aims to enhance community engagement and ensure that residents are informed about upcoming activities.

The meeting concluded with a motion to enter executive session, indicating that further discussions would take place privately. Overall, the meeting underscored the authority's commitment to enhancing local events while navigating logistical challenges.