October — First Responders Appreciation Month

Event Schedule

October 9 & 10, 2026

Plankinton, South Dakota

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Friday · October 9

Two programs in two places. Start with the self-defense class at the school gym from 4 to 6 PM. Then head to Silo Market for the South Dakota premiere of PTSD 9-1-1 and a live panel from 7 to 9:30 PM. Both need registration.

Self-Defense Class

4:00 – 6:00 PM · $20 per person

  • WherePlankinton School Gym404 Davenport Street, Plankinton, South Dakota
  • InstructorShihan David SheetsSoDak Kyokushin Karate
  • WhoOpen to everyone. No experience needed.
  • You getPractical self-defense techniques, hands-on training practice, and a certificate of completion.

Before you come:

  • A waiver is required for every participant.
  • Participants under 18 need a parent or guardian signature.
  • Not registered in advance? Arrive 30 minutes early.

Register on Eventbrite

★ South Dakota Premiere ★

PTSD 9-1-1 Film Screening & Panel Discussion

Doors 6:30 PM · Program 7:00 – 9:30 PM · Free

After the film, director Conrad Weaver leads a live conversation with people from Aurora County law enforcement, the South Dakota Legislature, the Department of Health, and local counseling and support services. Bring your questions.

Meet the Panel

Live panel at 8:45 PM

Moderator Conrad WeaverDirector of PTSD 9-1-1 · Coming in person to lead the discussion

Sheriff Roman Briggs

Aurora County Sheriff

Plankinton

Rep. Jim Halverson

State Representative, District 21

Health & Human Services Committee

Pierre

Marty Link

Rural Health Administrator

SD Department of Health

Sioux Falls

Roswitha Konz

Clinical Director

Dakota Counseling Institute

Mitchell

Jonathan Busch

Founder & Director

Engage Services

White Lake

  • WhereSilo Market120 S Main St, Plankinton, South Dakota
  • WhoAges 16 and olderLimited seating — registration required
  • Evening
    • 6:30 PMDoors open
    • 7:00 PMWelcome & introductions
    • 7:15 PMPTSD 9-1-1 documentary screening (84 min.)
    • 8:45 PMLive panel discussion, moderated by director Conrad Weaver
    • 9:30 PMWrap-up & closing

Viewer discretion advised. PTSD 9-1-1 is based on true events and some content may be distressing. The film is intended for educational and awareness purposes and does not provide medical or legal advice.

Reserve a Free Seat Questions or Group Reservations

Screening Flyer

PTSD 9-1-1 film screening and panel discussion flyer for Friday October 9, 2026 at Silo Market, with panelist names Open Full Size for Printing

Saturday · October 10

Free and open to the public. No registration needed.

South Dakota Safety Days

Doors open 11:00 AM · Event closes 5:00 PM

  • WhereAurora County Ag Building1302 E 1st St, Plankinton, South Dakota
  • CostFree and open to the public
  • WhyThe first event of its kind in South Dakota — held because Aurora County made October First Responders Appreciation Month, and the state followed.

All Day · 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Meet the Crews and Their Rigs

  • Fire trucks, ambulances, and law enforcement vehicles
  • Avera Careflight mobile simulation
  • Firefighter games

Skills That Save Lives

  • Stop the Bleed training
  • Fire extinguisher training
  • How to become a firefighter, EMT, or law enforcement officer

For Kids

  • Art table and letters to first responders
  • Complete any kids' activity by 4:00 PM to enter the prize drawing

Also On Site

  • Food trucks
  • Vendor tables and displays
  • Silent auction
  • More activities to come

Come and go as you please — everything above runs continuously.

1:30 PM

Ceremony and First Responders Awards

  • National anthem, welcome, and remarks from invited guests and county, city, and state representatives.
  • Recognition of the Aurora County proclamation that made October First Responders Appreciation Month, and of the statewide proclamation now carrying it to all 66 counties.
  • Awards presented to Aurora County firefighters, EMS providers, and law enforcement officers.

Kids & Families Flyer · Saturday

Meet First Responders kids flyer for Saturday October 10, 2026 at the Aurora County Ag Building, free admission Open Full Size for Printing

Full Event Flyer · Both Days

South Dakota Safety Days full event flyer for October 9 and 10, 2026 Open Full Size for Printing

Be Part of the Weekend

Reserve a vendor table, sponsor the event, or lend a hand as a volunteer. Every bit of it goes toward honoring Aurora County's first responders.

Support the Event Volunteer With Us