PHILIP, S.D. – If you’ve got a hankering for the old-time county fairs of the past, the place to be is Scotty Philip Days, August 11-13 in Philip.
“That’s the exact feel we’re going for,” said Tricia Burns. “We want Scotty Philip Days to feel like a little capsule of time where you don’t have to worry about anything but having fun.”
Tricia Burns and Doreen Vetter are among the volunteers for the event. Both agree Scotty Philip Days is the perfect end of summer/before fall kind of celebration. Doreen is the Chamber Coordinator and Tricia serves as President of the Philip Chamber of Commerce. She talked about how the annual celebration got its name and some of the new events at this years Scotty Philip Days, like “Chalk The Way To Scotty Philp Days.”
“Scotty Philips Days is our town celebration, named after the founder of our town. We are especially excited this year to have two of Scotty Philip’s great, great granddaughters as the Grand Marshalls of our parade. “
She continued, “A new event this year focuses on making sure the entire community gets involved. “Chalk The Way To Scotty Philip Days” encourages kids and adults alike to decorate the sidewalks and streets of Philip with their own chalk art. It doesn’t matter if it goes with our beach theme “Sunshine & Tan Lines” or our black and orange “Scotty Pride” or just a welcome to Philip. Whatever their imaginations can come up with.”
Since its beginning over 100 years ago, 4-H has been front and center as part of Scotty Philip Days with the Haakon and Jackson counties 4-H Achievement Days.
“We have just recently learned that 4-H goes clear back to the 1920’s as part of the Scotty Philp Days,” shared Burns. 4-H and open exhibits are open Thursday and Friday. That day also includes the 4-H livestock and small animal shows.
Continuing on Friday at 12:30p.m. is the 4-H sponsored Burger Bust and Ice Cream Social at the fairgrounds, open to everyone.
Following the parade on Saturday at 10:00a.m., 4-H members are going to showcase their “County Talk-Off and “Project Runway” projects on the Center Avenue Stage located downtown.
Scotty Philip Days activities on Friday, August 12 include activities for the kids, a Mini Demo Derby and the Ranch Pick-Up Showcase, followed by a street dance…..all of which are free to the public
The Ranch Pickup Showdown is a new event. Tricia says it takes a special kind of pickup to make a ranch pickup. “You can’t just pull into town with any old pickup and think it’s a ranch pickup. We have compiled a list from area ranchers and wives as to what it takes to be a ranch pickup. Area ranchers are going to bring their pickups in and at 6:00p.m.. we’re going to give them a random list of things and see what they can pull out of their pickups. The one that has the most on the list or more than what’s on the list will be named “Ranch Pickup of the Year.”
Saturday and Sunday, August 12-13, are filled with activities for all ages including a 5K Run and Wal, Goat Yoga, Parades, a 50th Anniversary celebration at the Senior Citizen’s Center, Corn Hole and Tractor Pull Tournaments, kids games and events and the Spud Gittings Memorial Golf Tournament.
See more Scotty Philip Days on Facebook.
Listen to live remotes with Doreen Vetter and Tricia Burns!
Scotty Philip Days always centered on youth and community
Over a century of Scotty Philip Days cements friendships, makes new ones
