South Dakota Towns Show American Self-Reliance at Its Best
Real America does not wait for Washington to fix its problems. In small South Dakota towns, folks roll up their sleeves, honor their veterans, and build their own futures. This month, the neighboring communities of Lane and Stickney are proving the American dream is alive and well. They are hosting massive festivals that draw thousands, funded by local grit, not federal handouts.
How is Lane, South Dakota, celebrating America's 250th anniversary?
Leap to Lane returns this Saturday in Jerauld County. The town has roughly 50 residents, but organizer Ed Gray expects up to 500 patriots to show up. The festival kicks off with a military color guard recognizing America's 250th anniversary. Scott Dorwart is bringing vintage military vehicles, including a World War II half-track and a Cushman scooter. It is a proud display of the hardware that kept this nation free.
Gray believes in keeping the tradition fresh. This year, he added the South Dakota Micro Derby. Kids will bash Power Wheels into each other until the batteries die. Youth will compete in lawn mower demolition derbies. It is organized chaos, but it teaches kids the American values of competition and grit.