Journal Editorial: Great things happen when we work together
When community and city government work hand in hand, great things are accomplished. We’ve seen that happen in multiple ways in Brandon over the last two decades.
When the Brandon Tennis Association wanted more tennis courts at the Middle School complex, they rolled up their sleeves and they knocked on doors to make it happen. And they worked in cooperation with the city leaders.
When the Brandon Area Soccer Association wanted more fields to play on, they, too, rolled up their sleeves and knocked on doors to make it happen. And they, too, worked in cooperation with our city leaders.
When the Brandon Valley Baseball Association wanted to build a championship style stadium, they rolled up their sleeves and knocked on doors. And yes, they also worked in cooperation with our city leaders.
And when the Brandon Valley Hockey Association were positioned to build an indoor ice rink, they rolled up their sleeves, knocked on doors, and once again, worked in cooperation with city leaders to make it happen.
After years and years of planning and fundraising, the Brandon Valley Hockey Association’s realized dream will be celebrated at two separate events this week. On Thursday at 4 p.m., the movers and shakers behind the BVHA’s indoor ice rink have invited members of the Brandon Valley Area Chamber of Commerce to commemorate the grand opening of the indoor rink with an official ribbon cutting.
The celebration continues to Saturday, when they open the doors to the public from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to come check out the “fruits of their labor” and to enjoy the fun activities they have planned. Hot dogs and hamburgers fresh off the grill will be served from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. The Struggle Bus Coffee and Family Treats will also be on hand, along with bounce houses, cornhole and face painting (1-2 p.m.)
And, if you’re eager to strap on a pair of skates and test out the new ice, you can do that, too, from 1-2:30 p.m. Skates are available to rent for a nominal fee. At 3 p.m., the IceCats’ junior varsity/varsity team will take the ice in an alumni scrimmage.
And there’s more: 50/50 raffles and an opportunity to win a free open skate pass. Stomp, the mascot for the Sioux Falls Stampede, and Slapshot, the BV IceCats mascot, will be in the house, too.
The IceCats Arena is visible reminder that great things can be accomplished when we roll up our sleeves, knock and doors and work together for the greater good of local causes like this one.
