The community of Aurora, South Dakota is hosting its annual Gala Days festival this weekend with more than 20 activities planned for Saturday, August 4. Because the event is being held in conjunction with the Aurora All-School Reunion, this year’s theme is “Welcome Back.”

Festivities begin Friday, August 3 with a citywide rummage sale. The sales continue Saturday, as well as hot air balloon rides, pancake feed, dunk tank, parade, car show, bean bag tournament, and more.  Live entertainment begins at noon along with dozens of vendors and kids’ games.

This year’s event also includes a Kiss a Pig contest between Mayor Fred Weekes and Utility Manager Andy Studer. Both Fred and Andy have been designated contest jars, available at Aurora business Lemke’s Bar & Grill. Residents and visitors are encouraged to place money in the jar of the individual whom they’d like to see kiss the pig. As of last week, Andy’s jar was in the lead!

Gala Days is open to the public. For more information, check out the full event schedule below or email the committee at auroragaladay@gmail.com.

Heartland provides wholesale electric power and energy services as well as community development programs to the city of Aurora. Located in Brookings County, Aurora has a population of 532.