NEW: TIME FOR CHISLIC!

JEREMY WALTNER – PUBLISHER

When considering other popular festivals across the state, the South Dakota Chislic Festival is still relatively young. It debuted just five years ago, and Saturday’s big to-do will be just the third time it will be held on the sprawling grounds of the Freeman Prairie Arboretum.

Yet it feels familiar.

Those attending the fifth iteration of the July 29 party that celebrates the official state nosh will be met by a row of food vendors selling chislic, of course, but also a variety of other choices you’d find at a county or state fair; a large circuslike tent featuring beer sales and plenty of seating; live music coming from the nearby amphitheater stage (also with plenty of seating); a row of non-food vendors selling a host of items; and a special area just for kids.

And all of it will take place with a spirit marked by good old South Dakota fun.

“It’s always exciting,” says Andrea Baer, who is president of the board of directors that oversees the festival. “Every year we know how to do things a little better and we’re getting to a point where we’re really getting it down.”

This year, organizers want to highlight the number of volunteers who make the festival possible. Between setup on Friday, the event itself and the cleanup and teardown on Sunday, about 300 are required.

“It takes so much manpower to make this day go,” said Baer, “and we are so appreciative of the volunteers donating their time to make this happen.”

One of the biggest logistical challenges is always parking, which is why the festival has put in place a trans system that will take festival-goers to and from the festival and around town if they so choose. It will be running non-stop all day, Baer says, so those who park a distance from the arboretum grounds won’t have long to wait. The parking lot of the Freeman Junior-Senior High School located about four city blocks straight east of the arboretum is always a good option for parking.

Or, Baer says, people can simply walk to the festival grounds located in the southeastern corner of town.

Here’s what else you should know about the South Dakota Chislic Festival, according to an FAQ at sdchislicfestival.com.

Day of Information

The South Dakota Chislic Festival sounds amazing! When and where is it?

The 2023 festival is Saturday, July 29th. It will be at the beautiful Freeman Prairie Arboretum in Freeman, South Dakota.

Is the festival 21+ or can I bring my family?

While you will need to be 21 to enjoy the craft beer, all ages are welcome at the festival!  We’re family-friendly folks!

My dog is my best friend, can he come to the festival too?

You’ll have to leave your BFF at home this time. The only animals allowed on festival grounds are service animals. With all the people and activity, your pet will likely feel better at home anyway.

My husband loves chislic and beer. Me, not so much. Will there be other things to eat and drink?

Yes! Many of your favorite festival foods will be available including funnel cakes, hot dogs, hamburgers, and cotton candy.

Can I bring outside food/beverages or a cooler?

No food or beverages from outside the Festival are allowed.

Is there shopping available or just food and drink?

There will be plenty of shopping opportunities on the festival grounds.  And, you are only two blocks from wonderful downtown Freeman shopping.

Do I have to pay to park or get into?

No, parking and admission are FREE!

I’ve found my way to the festival parking. Do I have to walk to the event?

Unless you’d like some exercise, we encourage you to wait for the shuttle to transport you to the festival.

Will the event be canceled due to bad weather?

No, the festival is on rain or shine!

Is the chislic festival wheelchair accessible?

The festival is held outdoors. The area is mostly flat with gravel and grass. We want the festival to be enjoyable for everyone! We have designated accessible parking, and an accessible restroom. Vehicles must have appropriate plates or permits to park in accessible spaces. All parking is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Can I bring my moped, golf cart or 4-wheeler on the festival grounds?

We hope you get to the festival by any means necessary, but for the safety of festival-goers, only festival staff/volunteers/security and emergency services vehicles will be allowed in the festival area. Personal mobility scooters are permitted.

Are there ATM’s at, or near the festival grounds?

Yes. An ATM is available at the festival as well as several other locations in Freeman.

I love the entertainment you have performing! Will there be seating for everyone to enjoy the show?

The arboretum has an amazing built-in seating option. Some tables and chairs will also be available. We encourage you to bring a blanket or chair to enhance your enjoyment of the entertainment and overall festival experience.

If I leave the festival, can I get back in?

Yes, you may come and go as you wish!

Are the festival grounds smoke-free?

Yes. The festival is a big summer highlight for many. To make it enjoyable, we ask that you refrain from smoking in the festival area.

Is there somewhere I can stay in Freeman?

Freeman would love to accommodate you for the night! We have a couple of hotel and camping options available.

What do I do if I need medical attention, have lost something, or need other assistance?

Please go to the festival information booth or flag down one of our festival volunteers, security or staff to assist you.