What is a Legislative Crackerbarrel and what should I expect?
When you think "Crackerbarrel," do you think of the restaurant or a political event? If your answer was along the lines of a homey country-style restaurant with rocking chairs, read further to learn all about our local legislative crackerbarrel events and how you can prepare to get the most out of them!
Here’s our simple 4-step Crackerbarrel break-down for first-time attendees:
1. Understand Crackerbarrels!
A Legislative Crackerbarrel is a term used to describe a forum-like event where local residents can meet their district legislators.
Our legislators in District 29 (view South Dakota district map, here) include one senator and two representatives. View all of our public officials, here. These three individuals travel to our capitol every winter between January and March to discuss possible legislation and establish laws to govern our state with legislators from all of the other districts in South Dakota. Topics include everything from education and business to senior care and taxes. These legislators need input from their constituents (you!) to guide them in their discussions and to support the will of the people.
Everything you need to know about the South Dakota legislature can be found on their comprehensive site, here.
2. Show up!
Crackerbarrels are platforms to provide information and answer questions about the legislative topics that matter to you as an individual, or as a member of a larger group. Click here to view a list of new 2024 bills currently being discussed in our South Dakota legislative session. You are not required to ask questions or participate in any way – just observing is fine!
3. Meet your legislators!
The best part about attending a Crackerbarrel is that you get to meet your district legislators face-to-face. The environment at our Sturgis events is casual and friendly. Sturgis is located in District 29 including Senator Wink, Representative Cammack, and Representative Chaffee. If you’re not in the Meade County area you can look up your own legislators by clicking here.
4. Ask questions and provide input!
After you’ve reviewed the current bills and met your legislators, it’s time to start asking questions and let them know where you and/or your group stand. This step is vital – speaking up and communicating ideas is how we make positive change! Be sure to bring a list of any important questions or topics you want to have a discussion about. Your questions can be as general or detailed as you wish. At our Sturgis Crackerbarrels, our moderator will accept questions from the public as time permits. Remember - this is an opportunity to ask questions, not provide a lengthy dissertation on your views.
That’s it!
Political events can be intimidating, but a Crackerbarrel is truly an informal and friendly way to get your foot in the door, meet our local politicians, and be heard. Our 2024 District 29 Legislative Crackerbarrels in Sturgis will be held on the second floor of the Meade County Erskine Building at 1300 Sherman Street from 9am to 11am on Saturday, February 3rd and again at the same time on Saturday, March 2nd. You can learn more here.
We hope to see you there!
Sincerely,
Veronica Grosek
Executive Director
Sturgis Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau
