Simplified: The thing about journalists is, we're deadline-focused people. And what that usually means is, "due today, do today." So, if you, like me, are a wait-til-the-last-minute person, here's a gentle reminder that it's not too late to put together a Halloween costume – as long as you're cool spending the whole night explaining what you are. And, as with everything we do here, the focus is on Sioux Falls.
Why it matters
- It doesn't. It's just for fun. Humor me.
Ok, fine, tell us your weird, niche costume ideas
Thank you. Also, shoutout to my husband, Royal Sonsalla, who sacrificed his dignity in the name of this journalistic pursuit. (And our daughter Margot, for being our hot dog).
Without further ado, here are some ideas for Halloween costumes only Sioux Fallsians will get.
The four votes that decided the mayoral race
In a city of 220,000+ people, our mayor was decided by a margin of four votes. And, for the fewer than 1 in 4 registered voters who cast a ballot, this costume is sure to get a laugh.
- BONUS: If people don't get it because they didn't vote, you can remind them they have another chance to participate in local democracy by voting in the Midterm Election on Tuesday, Nov. 3.
Materials required: Poster board, black marker, hole punch, string
A pig learning the new Smithfield project is delayed
Smithfield Foods' $1 billion pork processing plant faced a roadblock in recent weeks after a judge ruled the city didn't adequately follow its own rules in approving a conditional use permit. That's delayed the project as the company and the city now have to go back and re-do the conditional use permit process. Good news for piggies!
Materials required: Egg carton for snout, felt/construction paper and headband for ears, optional: party hat
That same pig when it realizes Smithfield is just going to re-apply for the permit and the project likely won't be affected that much
Smithfield has said it's just going to apply for a conditional use permit again and start over. There's no indication this will change their plans to build in Foundation Park.
Free parking downtown after 5 p.m.
The city is one council vote away from extending paid parking downtown to 7 p.m., among other changes proposed like raising hourly rates on Phillips Avenue. So, you can be the ghost of free downtown parking.
ALTS: This same costume could also be the following:
- Hoopla (the library app that was discontinued earlier this year)
- The Riverline District conversation (fully left on read last fall with no indication it'll pick back up)
- City funding for the Multi-Cultural Center (background)
Bye, bye butterfly
The Butterfly House and Aquarium is closing after the end of this year as the Sioux Falls Zoo and Aquarium shifts to one campus. So, this one is pretty straightforward.
Materials: Butterfly wings (helps if you have little kids who already have this kind of stuff in the dress-up box), waving goodbye
Mayor Paul TenHaken with senior-itis
Mayor Paul TenHaken had his term extended – twice – after serving eight years as mayor. And at one point he likened it to telling a high schooler they're not able to graduate for a few more months and have to stay in school.
Enter Paul with Senior-itis.
Materials: Suit jacket over a t-shirt, jeans, tennis shoes (the typical Mayor Paul uniform) and then add a backwards baseball cap, a general "IDGAF" attitude and maybe just stick your gum under your desk for added flair.
AI slop/A data center
The Sioux Falls City Council earlier this year paved the way for a new hyperscale data center in northeast Sioux Falls. Since then, there have been waves of public discussion (and opposition) including a three-hour public meeting this week.
Materials: Gallon of water, AI slop posters.
An informed voter
Scary? Only if you're scared of the voice of the people. 💪
Materials: Sioux Falls Simplified's election coverage, your own brain, a plan to vote on Tuesday (or before), an "I Voted" sticker.
