A steady stream of people and a well-populated tent was evident on the grounds of the Freeman Prairie Arboretum — particularly early in the day — during Saturday's fifth annual South Dakota Chislic Festival. Starting around 11 a.m. and continuing well into the afternoon, hundreds mingled throughout the festival grounds for food and fellowship in a relaxed and enjoyable setting that has come to help define the event. Watch for a recap and photos in the upcoming edition of The Courier.

Colleen Reilly, a volunteer from Sunnyvale, Calif. and friends with South Dakota Chislic Festival board member Joann Smith and her husband, KC, helps set up the merchandise tent in preparation for the festival Saturday morning, July 29. The fifth annual event that celebrates the South Dakota state nosh gets underway with an opening ceremony at 10 a.m. and will continue throughout the day, with food, drink, music and fun and games on full display. All of it is taking place at the Freeman Prairie Arboretum located on the southwest corner of town.

Colleen Reilly, a volunteer from Sunnyvale, Calif. and friends with South Dakota Chislic Festival board member Joann Smith and her husband, KC, helps set up the merchandise tent in preparation for the festival Saturday morning, July 29. The fifth annual event that celebrates the South Dakota state nosh gets underway with an opening ceremony at 10 a.m. and will continue throughout the day, with food, drink, music and fun and games on full display. All of it is taking place at the Freeman Prairie Arboretum located on the southwest corner of town.

Bailey Sage (33) bumps fists with player/manager Jake Weier after being introduced as the starting left fielder prior to Freeman's District 6 elimination game against Lesterville Thursday night in Crofton. And the Blacksox saw their season come to an end with a 6-3 loss to the Broncs, who will be joined by Crofton, Wynot and Menno in representing the South Central League at the state tournament in Mitchell beginning Aug. 2. The bracket will be announced Sunday.

Bailey Sage (33) bumps fists with player/manager Jake Weier after being introduced as the starting left fielder prior to Freeman's District 6 elimination game against Lesterville Thursday night in Crofton. And the Blacksox saw their season come to an end with a 6-3 loss to the Broncs, who will be joined by Crofton, Wynot and Menno in representing the South Central League at the state tournament in Mitchell beginning Aug. 2. The bracket will be announced Sunday.

Bryce Sattler reacts from the pitcher's mound of Scotland/Menno's final out against Freeman/Marion in Wednesday night's elimination game that was part of the VFW 16U Region 4 Tournament. In addition to their 7-2 win over the Sticks, the Trappers defeated Salem 8-5 after falling behind 0-5 earlier in the day. Scotland/Menno will face Tyndall in the region championship round Thursday night. Both teams will represent Region 4 at state in Parkston next week.

This shows the layout for the 2023 South Dakota Chislic Festival that is returning to Freeman this Saturday. For reference, the Freeman Academy campus is not shown but located directly above the image area. The star next to the parking area identifies the main entrance. The fifth celebration of the state's official nosh runs from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The gazebo that accents the Freeman Prairie Arboretum is pictured through a pair of birch trees near the interpretive center on a sunny Tuesday morning. The arboretum was quiet early this week but will be a popular spot in a matter of days as the 2023 South Dakota Chislic Festival unfolds on Saturday. Watch this week's Courier for all you need know about this year's popular event.

The 16U Sticks took their first step toward a state tournament berth with an 11-1 win over Parker in the first round of the Class B Region 4 Tournament in Freeman Monday evening, July 24. The Freeman/Marion ballclub took a 2-1 lead in the second inning and led 4-1 after three before blowing the game open with a seven-run fifth inning to end the contest early via the 10-run mercy rule.

Merchants State Bank Field in Freeman will be alive with activity each of the next four nights as the VFW 16U Region 4B tournament comes to town. Action begins at 5 p.m. with Tyndall facing Salem followed by Freeman/Marion taking on Parker. Games continue at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tuesday, 3 p.m., 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. Wednesday at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. (if necessary) on Thursday. In addition to the four teams playing Monday night, Region 4B includes Scotland/Menno, which will play its first game at 5 p.m. Tuesday.