Gear up for Centerville Tornado Days 2022

Jenn Eli | Writer

June 29 through July 3 will be jam-packed with entertainment, food, and activities for everyone.  This event kicks off Wednesday with children’s author Kevin Lovegreen.  He is known for his books on Hunting and fishing such as “Winner, Winner, Turkey Dinner” and “The Muddy Elk”.   As always, this looks to be a fun time at our library!

Wednesday evening you will hear the crack of bats at the Teenner Baseball 14U and 16U Wood Bat Exhibition Game.  This will be happening at the Pascale Fields at 6:00 pm and 8:00 pm.   Show up and cheer on our Tornadoes as they take on Elk Point.

Thursday evening will provide another evening of fun!  The WHAM Food & Beer tent will be open during most of the events during the weekend at Pascale Fields.  The co-ed volleyball tournament will start at 6:00 p.m. at Peder Larsen Park – please contact Brandon Peterson at 605-957-5622 if you have a team or would like to join a team!  The Amateur Baseball Exhibition Game between the Elk Point Colt 45’s and the Renner Rangers will start at 7:30 p.m. that night.  Following the game at 8:30 enjoy music at the WHAM Food & Beer Tent in the Park.  At dusk, you will be able to take in an outdoor movie on the north ball diamond – make sure you bring lawn chairs & blankets!

The events on Friday start bright and early at 9:00 a.m. with a four-person scramble at the Irene Golf Course.  Contact Shawn at 605-941-8213 to pre-register.  

The afternoon will have a Kid’s Straw Bash for Cash by the One American Bank, free ice cream treats for kids at the Centerville Medical Clinic and an Exhibition Pole Vault Event that will be downtown.  For more details on the Pole Vaulting – please contact John at 605-553-1094.  Following the Pole Vaulting, Dakota Kids Tractor Pedal Pull will be on site and registration will start at 6:30 p.m. at the Legion.  This is for ages four to 11.  

Tradition prevails with the Toilet Bowl Races that will be held west of the street dance on Main Street.   Time trials start at 7:30 p.m., bring your own toilet racer or there will be ones to use there.

The evening ends with the annual Fireman’s Street Dance featuring the 4Sure Band!.  The dance will be held downtown Centerville.  The 4Sure Band! is one of the six best cover bands for hire in the area that cover top 40 hits from the ‘90’s to today.  The group has been playing music for several years and is well known in the Sioux Falls community.  

The 3K/5K Run or Walk starts off a busy Saturday and will be held at the school athletic complex. Please contact Eric at eric.knight@k12.sd.us for more details.  The kids get involved with a kids track meet for 3 to 6th graders at the school complex.  Eric is the contact for that event as well.  

Meanwhile, at the softball fields, the co-ed slow-pitch softball tournament starts at 9:00 a.m.  If you have a team or would like to join a team, contact Jared at 605-940-5501.  

Activities for the kids continue with inflatables at Peder Larsen Park, a youth 3 on 3 basketball tournament and a kid’s Duck Drop.    

The afternoon would not be complete without seeing some beautiful vehicles – the Annual Eric Buckneberg Memorial Car Show and Shine will be held Downtown at the Fireman’s Tent.  If you bring a car to show, please park along Main Street.  No dogs will be allowed at the event.  Awards will be given for Mayor’s Choice and People’s Choice at 6:00 p.m. 

Keep those cars rolling by joining in the Poker Run that will start and end at the Desert Inn.   Rather play bags and enjoy music?  Then the Fireman’s Tent Downtown is where you want to be.  Registration will be between 6:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. at the tent.  

Softball is the name of the game on Sunday with day two of the co-ed tournament.  

There will be a Community Worship Service at the Fireman’s Tent with a Community Breakfast following the service.  

The kids will be busy with the inflatables open at 11:00 a.m., decorating their bikes and blessing their bikes before the Bike Parade at 1:00 p.m., downtown Centerville along Broadway.  The kids will be able to show off their skills with a Bike Rodeo after the parade.   The sixth annual Tornado Days Disc Golf Tournament will be starting at 2:30 – with registration at 2:00 p.m. at the food and beer tent.  Please contact Laura at 605-201-1251 for information.   

The ATV/Golf Cart Poker run starts at 4:30 p.m. with registration at Pascale Hall, where you can stop for supper at the community supper at the Pascale Hall.  The evening hosts a Little Tornadoes baseball/softball game on the north diamond at 6:00 p.m. along with root beer floats and popcorn.  

At 7:30 p.m. the Little Ms. & Mr. Centerville award presentation will be held at the south diamond at Pascale Fields.  After the presentation will be a veteran appreciation ceremony at the Pascale Fields with the Star-Spangled Banner and presentation of colors.  8:00 p.m. brings us the Annual Legends Slow Pitch Softball game at the south diamond.  The grand finale of the weekend will be fireworks in the park.