Summer Nights in Rapid City makes a comeback

RAPID CITY, S.D. — Downtown Rapid City was crowded with locals excited for some summer fun, the return of Summer Nights.

COVID put a halt to the festivities last year, but the highly anticipated event is back – and with something for the whole family. It is traditionally a weekly concert series that runs every Thursday evening from Memorial Day to Labor Day, but the Rapid City Police Department has events just for the kids. The Police Activities League is back with Night Court, a series of free basketball tournaments for youth ages 11 to 16

“Well, the kids get to see us in a different light, not always as the police officer coming to do whatever,” said activities league president, Brian Blenner. “But really get to let them know us as people, and that we’re real. And then hey, lets have some fun together. And plus, the kids, middle school kids want something to do and they love to play basketball. So we thought we’d incorporate those together.”

For kids not very interested in basketball, the activities league also has nine square in the air, and a flat screen TV with a Nintendo Switch. There are also opportunities for kids to win different prizes, like skateboards and scooters. The league meets on St. Joseph Street between 6th and 7th Streets and will be out every Thursday through Labor Day.