Halloween at Lake Lorraine a success

Tons of people flocked to Lake Lorraine businesses for the first-ever Halloween at Lake Lorraine event, held Saturday, Oct. 27 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. More than 20 businesses from around the Lake participated, handing out candy and “deals” to trick or treaters. This was also the first community-wide event hosted by the developers.

Activities kicked off with a Costume Contest at Grand Living at Lake Lorraine. More than 50 children pre-registered to participate. Parents, grandparents and Grand Living residents were among those in the audience. The Costume Contest was judged by Miss South Dakota 2018 Carrie Wintle, Argus Leader Columnist Stu Whitney, Lake Lorraine Founder Warren Friessen and Grand Living resident Pat VanRoekel; KSFY Anchor Bridget Bennett served as the emcee.

Following the contest, the rest of the day’s events took place: pumpkin decorating on both the east and west sides of the lake, trick-or-treating at participating businesses and lots of photo opportunities from selfie stations, a photo booth and 10 characters stationed around the lake, too.

Pumpkin decorating was a huge hit and the developers brought in more pumpkins at noon since the original 350 supplied were already gone! They estimate that more than 500 pumpkins were decorated and thousands of pieces of candy and other fun items were distributed at the event. Because people could stop or start at whatever location worked best for them, it’s difficult to gauge an official attendance figure. It was an especially warm October South Dakota day, which made for a fun afternoon walking around the lake from store to store.

As Lake Lorraine continues to be developed, more community activities and events will be held. Learn more about the lake’s history and see Halloween photos posted to the Lake Lorraine Facebook page.

Lake Lorraine is a lifestyle center near 26th Street and Marion Road being co-developed by Friessen Development, Inc. and Van Buskirk Companies. The latest construction activity is visible from I-29 between the 26th Street and 41st Street interchanges to the west of the southbound lanes. When completed, the area will offer an eclectic mix of shopping, dining, office, residential spaces and recreational opportunities surrounding Lake Lorraine.