SVE to stir up summer fun with color walk/run, safety day

A local electrical cooperative is venturing into some family fun with a bit of safety-focused events mixed in.

The Aug. 10 event, which will be held at McHardy Park and Sioux Valley Energy’s Brandon Service Center, received the city council’s blessing at their May 20 meeting.

SVE is planning to stage a 5K Color Run/Walk and Safety Day event in early August, with intentions of making it an annual event for its vast membership.

“Based on other SVE events (district and annual meetings) which have been held in Brandon, we anticipate that both events would engage a large number of Brandon residents and a subset of people from other communities,” Jay Buchholz, SVE key account and community relations executive, wrote in a proposal to the city council. “Currently, we are estimating participation of approximately 400 people.”

In the proposal, SVE states the event will serve two purposes: First, it will create a fun activity that co-op families can take part in; and secondly, it will raise money for the South Dakota Rural Electric Line Patrol Charity. This charity provides funds to South Dakota electric co-op employees and their families if they experience devastating illness or injury. 

Safety Day is being developed to create awareness on a variety of safety issues. The intent is to engage families with a significant focus on children’s safety education.

The color run/walk will be a non-timed event, featuring color stations (and options for non-color walkers and runners). Safety Day plans include a pancake feed, safety booths and demonstrations, and children’s prizes, including bicycles with safety equipment.