South Dakota Democratic Party takes part
in untraditional inauguration activities

Sioux Falls, SD (January 18, 2021) – In a normal year, members of the South Dakota Democratic Party would be in Washington, DC this week for the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden. As Biden himself said on Friday, this may be the “most unusual” inauguration in the nation’s history. This doesn’t mean the state party will let it go by without marking this special occasion. 

“The Biden administration’s inauguration committee put together several ways we can celebrate and still feel part of this important week. We are certainly living in unprecedented times, but we can still unite to help those in need and remember those lost to COVID-19. This is a wonderful nationwide effort by the Democratic Party.” – Randy Seiler, Chair SDDP

The week’s events include several food drives held on Monday by the state party and county parties in South Dakota. United We Serve: A Celebration of the National Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service will include community projects by Democratic members all across the nation.

Tuesday, Jan. 19, 5-6 pm (CST) the SDDP will host a memorial to lives lost in South Dakota to COVID-19 by lighting the Arc of Dreams in a rainbow of colors. To follow CDC guidelines, masks and social distancing will be required. You may also drive through the one way Cherapa Place route on the east side of the Arc of Dreams to pay your respects. Again, this will be in coordination with similar lighting events across the nation, including the Lincoln Memorial reflecting Pool.

Wednesday, Jan. 20 the President’s swearing-in ceremony can be seen on the major networks starting at 10:30 am (CST) with the Inaugural Address being held at 11 am (CST). The day includes a wreath laying at the tomb of the unknown soldier and a virtual parade featuring the state and territories of the United States of America at 2 pm (CST). Other virtual events will be held across the nation including champagne toasts, panel discussions and even virtual balls. In prime time, Celebrating America a TV Special will be on ABC, CBS, CNN, NBC, MSNBC, and PBS. Audiences can also stream the program live on PIC (Presidential Inauguration Committee) social media channels: Youtube, Facebook, Twitter, and Twitch. 

“I do plan to take part in a virtual Champagne Celebration to honor our first female Vice President, Kamala Harris. I’m going to get dressed up to attend in my living room. I may not get to go to a ball but it’s a great excuse to pull out an old brides’ maid dress and use it again. These are the stories we can share with our grandkids someday.” – Nikki Gronli, Vice Chair SDDP

Thursday, Jan. 21 will conclude with virtual meetings and electing Democratic National Committee and Association of State Democratic Committees leadership.

Please direct questions to SDDP Executive Director Pam Cole
via email pam@sddp.org or phone (605) 695-1996. 

###