Keeping downtown Sioux Falls open during events

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - There will be some minor tweaks in downtown Sioux Falls events in an effort to be good neighbors to residents living there.

After collaborating with Downtown Sioux Falls, Inc. and listening to affected stakeholders, the City is making changes in the way future events will be held downtown.

Lieutenant Jeff Garden says East 14^th Street will not be used for parade staging and will stay open during all events.   

Garden say when streets are closed for parades, they will now be closed for only approximately 1 to 1 1/2 hours.

During an event, if streets are closed, attempts will be made to have more than one east/west and north/south route open through downtown. The only exception to having an additional open thoroughfare will be during parades. 

The number of special events within Sioux Falls has dramatically increased over the last five years, from 54 in 2011 to 126 in 2015. This year, 125 to 130 special events will take place within city limits. Downtown will hold 15 events that will require some streets to close.

Some 2,300 residents live downtown and another 16,000 work in downtown Sioux Falls.