THE CHISLIC FESTIVAL: REFLECTIONS FROM A FIRST-TIMER

The following was written by Amy Bennett Smolik, who lived in Freeman and worked as the news editor for the Courier in 1998-1999. Today she lives in Tea with her son and daughter and works at Lake Lorraine in Sioux Falls. She was a first-time guest at the July 29 South Dakota Chislic Festival, and these are her thoughts. 

A recent meal of chislic (purchased at the Kaylor Locker) steered the dinner conversation toward the history of South Dakota’s state nosh and what truly constituted “chislic.” We had the opportunity to learn a bit more when we decided to come to Freeman’s Chislic Festival last weekend.

Fittingly, the first thing we came upon at the festival was a talk about the history of “shashlik.” One of the presenters, Ian Tuttle, dressed in traditional Russian regalia — after all, it was the Germans from Russia who brought the delicacy to Hutchinson County — said many people are first introduced to chislic because of friends from Freeman. While probably not as accurate today (go to any bar in southeastern South Dakota and you’ll find chislic on the menu), it holds true for me. I was a Freeman resident 25 years ago and first enjoyed chislic at the Turner County Fair. It’s been one of my favorite snacks or meals ever since.

One thing I have always admired about the community of Freeman is the sense of pride in its past. Over the years I’ve enjoyed watching the demonstrations at Schmeckfest like sausage-making and ropemaking. I’ve witnessed first-hand how the community comes together to put on a quality show and meal for thousands of visitors — I even helped backstage when I lived there! So I wasn’t surprised that the Chislic Festival has grown to such an amazing experience for visitors and residents alike in just a few short years.

While I’ve returned to Freeman in the last two-plus decades to visit friends and go to Schmeckfest, I hadn’t yet made it to the Chislic Festival. The end of baseball and softball seasons meant an open weekend. The opportunity to spend time with college friends made it a done deal this year. Here’s some observations from a first-timer —

The food: So what is “real” shashlik? Tradition says it’s mutton skewered on a stick. The historical presentation did a great job sharing how these new settlers made do with the tools they had on the open prairie to enjoy flavors from home. We opted for the traditional preparation. You could also find chicken, beef and pork chislic from vendors, as well as the usual fair food options like giant onion rings and funnel cakes, plus a variety of craft beers sold by Menno’s volunteer department.

The location: Twenty-five years ago, plans were announced to build a Prairie Arboretum. When I left it was just a drawing on paper. Today, I have one word to describe it: wow. Just wow. This is a gem for the community and a great site for a festival. The shade near the tall rose bushes was the perfect place to watch the VFW-sponsored bean bag toss. The walking path saw visitors taking in the native grasses, trees and plants, as well as setting up chairs to visit with their group while enjoying their nosh. And live music at the amphitheater was perfect, too.

The history: It wasn’t just about the food, however. Our afternoon included a worthwhile stop at the Heritage Hall Museum and Archives, also on the grounds. This museum has had a facelift and contains a wealth of history about early settlers to the region. I’m Irish, not German or Russian/Crimean, but enjoyed the collection immensely.

Something for everyone: I saw a kids’ area and we missed the morning’s Mutton Run. There were several non-food vendors and an old tractor display.

Only in South Dakota: I’m an accidental South Dakotan, having moved here because of my dad’s job before my sophomore year of high school. But I’m not sure I can still say that since I’ve intentionally chosen to stay here as an adult. I’ve been privileged to have a career that enables me to tell stories, including the year I spent in Freeman. I think I’m still here in part because of those stories and the uniquely South Dakota events like the Chislic Festival. Just last weekend, we saw the First Gentleman, our lone Congressman, a few former co-workers and plenty of great people watching, all while strolling around the Arboretum.

Chislic Festival volunteers and board members: Congratulations on another stellar event to show off your community — I can’t wait to come back next year.