Dec. 14, 2025

Not Again: A New Yorker’s Lament on Snowy Saturdays

Here we are, facing the chilling forecast again. Yikes. Looks like we’re in for another snowy Saturday, the third one in a row. Just picture it: snowfall sufficient to mess things up, scaring away the post-Thanksgiving crowds. That first Saturday was a bummer for Small Business Saturday. And then, remember Dec. 6? Yep, the snow came for us again.

A Thank You to the Brave Souls

I must tip my hat to the nearly 700 warriors who braved the 605 Made Holiday Market on that snowy Saturday. Seriously, kudos to those who trudged through the white to support local vendors. What a show of community spirit!

Retailers and Winter: A Challenging Dance

Retailers, especially the local guys, are really banking on holiday sales. Especially those prime weekends between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Mayor Paul TenHaken shared his concerns with me from City Hall’s snowy confines: “I’m worried about our small businesses,” he said. “This weather is a real deterrent.” Such closures could result in real heartbreak come January and February.

Embracing Winter Like a True Northerner

I crisscrossed this city during the snowy days and realized it’s entirely doable. Our Minnesota neighbors know it well — winter is part of the culture. They embrace it with snow vests and Surly Brewing events. TenHaken believes that events like those at [Jacobson Plaza](https://siouxfalls.business/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/FullSizeRender1.JPEG-2.jpeg) are steps towards this mindset.

Local Adventures Await

The word from TenHaken is that numbers are “good but not great.” But we’re trying to shake that up. Last weekend, I took it upon myself to dine and shop downtown. Not bustling, but definitely alive. And now the forecast is shifting, so there’s hope on the horizon.

The Downtown Experience

When you find some time, grab a [Downtown Gives coupon book](https://siouxfalls.business/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/FullSizeRender2-copy.jpeg). Your purchases will support Emily’s Hope, tackling substance use disorder. It’s a win-win situation: shopping and goodwill, all wrapped in one.

Forecasting Hope: Warmer Days?

The forecast looks promising, heading into Christmas. Maybe some warmth will push sales up too. Whatever winter throws our way, dress warmly, drive safely, and explore what awaits downtown. Your local small-business warriors are counting on you.

Keep Shopping Local

Even post-Christmas, our local gems need you. Take advantage of holiday gift cards, enjoy our parks, and perhaps treat yourself to a meal. Surely, [Paul Schiller’s photos](https://siouxfalls.business/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Steel-Holiday-II-P.jpg.jpeg) will inspire you to step outside and enjoy what our local scene has to offer.

Let’s make the most of it, folks. After all, it’s the New Yorker way to get out there and make a day of it, no matter what the skies throw at us.