Good Morning!
This email is a little later than usual because I wanted to make sure all my ducks were lined up and official before I sent it.
The Gold Camp Jubilee festival (normally held over 4th of July weekend) has been postponed until Labor Day weekend this year (this is a soft reschedule and is pending more information – as is the case with so many things right now). We hosted a public planning meeting for this event yesterday, May 13th, and the attendees said they would like to see it postponed. I see the role of the Chamber to organize a lot of individual events and things hosted by each Lead business and organization. We’re essentially a marketing and advertising organization. This means that if each event organizer feels uncomfortable participating there really isn’t much of a festival for us to publicize.
The silver lining of postponing this event is that everyone will have more information and we’ll be able to have a lot more fun because more of us will feel comfortable being out and about and together! As our city administrator says, (paraphrase) “The 4th of July comes every year, and this isn’t the be all end all event of our lifetime.” He makes a good point.
Plus with the Mount Rushmore celebration happening on 7/3 and the president announcing his attendance, maybe it’s better to not fight for the spotlight.
I’ll be honest, a part of me is disappointed, as the 4th of my favorite holiday and I was looking forward to an improved event over 2019’s dismal weather. It’s been sad to see all the fun canceled everywhere. But I know this isn’t the be all end all of summer and it is good to move forward cautiously.
Do save the dates for Labor Day! and stay tuned for all the details as we plan more for that. Our next public planning meeting will be on Wednesday June 10, at 2pm. Location will be determined as we get closer. Everyone is invited to attend and offer input and ideas to make our festival amazing!
_____Here’s what’s going on_______
Free Dump Week continues for Lead residents. The Dump is open 8-4. There is no city pick up, and this does not apply to commercial vehicles. Call the city for more info 584-1401
Friday, May 15
9am – We’re continuing our Feeding Lead program. Need supplemental food during this weird time? Know someone who does? Just drive up to the Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center parking lot and we’ll load you up! No pre qualifications necessary. Thanks to our sponsors of this special project: Coeur Wharf, Homestake Mining Company, Black Hills Title, Sanford Underground Research Facility and various individuals for your support!
Saturday, May 16
Services have resumed at St. Patrick’s at 4pm and Shepherd of the Hills at 6pm.
Sunday, May 17
Services have resumed at Shepherd of the Hills at 9am, St. Patrick’s at 10am and First Presbyterian at 11am. Trinity United Methodist is still closed until further notice.
Also on Sunday – The Lead-Deadwood high school will be having a drive through graduation at 2pm. There will be a motorcade parade to follow and parents from the class are asking all Lead and Deadwood businesses to decorate their windows in a show of support!
Monday, May 18
5pm City Commission meeting will be held at the Homestake Opera House in an effort to give more space so everyone who wants to can attend. There will be some requirements including wearing a mask, so check Facebook page or call for details if you’d like to attend 584-1401.
____Other News & Notes_____
Spearfish Canyon Lodge is reopen! The hotel, Latchstring restaurant and rentals are all available.
The Free Store is open again. Call for hours and specifics.
KDSJ is offering 30 second ad spots for $5. Buy one and get three! Great deals for businesses that are re-opening or having specials! Call Jay for more details and to purchase (605)310-8307
The Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center will remain closed as per the board’s decision this morning. They will revisit their decision weekly. If you need to reach me please call or reply right here. I love to hear from all of you!
Smile, you get to live in Lead! 🙂
Sierra Ward
ED, LACC & SLHVC