SOUTH DAKOTA GFP NEWS FOR 3-30-09
July Fourth Camping Reservations in State Parks Open Soon
PIERRE, S.D. – Campers making Fourth of July plans can begin making camping reservations on April 4 for a Friday, July 3 arrival. Reservations can be made by calling (800) 710-CAMP (2267) or by going online to www.CampSD.com. A three day stay is required at all parks except Custer for holiday weekends.
“This year the Fourth of July falls on a weekend, so many parks in the state will fill up fast,” said Doug Hofer, state parks director. "Campsites are reserved well in advance, so campers will need to plan ahead and make reservations as soon as possible to get their favorite camping spots."
Reservations for campsites and camping cabins in South Dakota state parks can be made within 90 days of the arrival date. Reservations for the group lodges statewide and all campsites at Custer State Park are currently being accepted.
The telephone reservation center is open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily (CT). Online reservations can be made 24 hours a day. Reservations open at 7 a.m. on the first day of the 90-day window, both online and at the call center.
There is a $7.70 per site non-refundable reservation fee (not applicable to South Dakota residents). Camping fees must be paid when the reservation is made and can be paid with credit card, money order or personal check. A daily or annual park entrance license is required of all vehicles entering the park. Entrance fees are in addition to camping fees.
For more detailed information on making reservations, or to view the 90-day window calendar, visit www.sdparks.info or contact the Division of Parks and Recreation office at (605) 773-3391 or email ParkInfo@state.sd.us.
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PIERRE, S.D. - Vendors interested in having a booth at the 2009 Fort Sisseton Historical Festival have until April 20 to submit an application. Applications are available for arts and crafts vendors, food vendors and rendezvous vendors. The 32nd annual festival is scheduled for June 5, 6, and 7, 2009.
Arts and crafts vendors are encouraged to demonstrate the skills that go into making their items. Food vendors are given the option of a full-menu major food booth or a one-menu item specialty food booth. All arts and crafts and food booths are outdoor spaces.
For those who sell and make authentic historical items, the V. M. Starr Rendezvous at the Fort Sisseton Festival provides a unique marketplace for goods. Vendors or Traders in the rendezvous camp are required to keep the historical theme by limiting merchandise sold and displayed to only historically appropriate items. Other items, such as clothing, lodges, display racks and cooking fires must also be period correct, reminiscent of a 1840s Plains rendezvous.
Booths are open from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, and from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Additional hours are at the vendor’s discretion.
For more information about hours or set-up and take-down times at the Fort Sisseton Historical Festival or for a vendor application, please contact Fort Sisseton Historic State Park at (605) 448-5474. For additional information on South Dakota state parks and recreation areas, visit the state parks web site at www.SDparks.info.
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