This article comes from the September issue of SDPB Magazine. See past issues here.
It’s that time of year again. This month we kickstart the beginning of the 25th season of Dakota Life. Every year for the past 24 years, we’ve ventured out to find stories and discover the history of the many towns across the state that contribute to the charming character of South Dakota. This season we venture into 9 towns to learn what it is about these places that makes them a treasure to our state. Featured in the 2022-2023 season are the towns of:
-Sisseton -Leola -Mission -Parkston -Miller -Belle Fourche -Lead -Buffalo -Howard
Dakota Life has brought viewers a personal look into histories all over the state of South Dakota since September of 1998. The first three episodes focused on stories like the Jewel of the Black Hills, where we explored the Opera House of Lead; Prairie Spires, where we highlighted the architecture and history of Prairie churches; and Dakota Dogs, where we met working dogs across the state. Before it was known as Dakota Life, it was known by two other titles: Scrapbook and South Dakota Outdoor Guide which focused on all things outdoors including fishing, skiing, snowmobiling, and more. 25 years ago, the focus and mission of this series shifted after a 4-year hiatus. Thus, what viewers now known as Dakota Life was born.
What perhaps is more loved than even the many remarkable places and people featured on this show is the life behind it. Julie Overgaard, Executive Director of South Dakota Public Broadcasting describes the show as such: “Dakota Life tells the story of who we are. The history that shaped us. The people who influence us. The places that inspire us. The interests we share. Dakota Life helps me find joy in being South Dakotan!” Non-news and feature-driven, Dakota Life checks the boxes of of television magazine shows, but there is a lot of work happening behind the scenes to make sure you can experience the spark of South Dakota.
Greg Beesley, one of Dakota Life’s Segment Producers, gets to have a hands-on experience with the show, traveling from town to town capturing the special aspects that people enjoy seeing. Beesley shares that one of the most exciting parts of his job is getting to premiere the finished product with the residents of these locations and watch them light up at the thought of their stories being shared. “For me, Dakota Life means telling all of the amazing stories we do and getting to educate other South Dakotans about parts of the state they may not have visited and hopefully entice them to take a trip and visit a different part of our great state” says Beesley.
As we mark this anniversary and look ahead to 25 more years of Dakota Life we hope to continue sharing the stories that make each community unique, and that make each community uniquely South Dakotan. Watch season 25 and discover something new about your neighbors. We begin the year with a visit to Sisseton.
“Dakota Life celebrates the stories of South Dakotans and their personal connection to their land their community and their culture, these are the stories that make South Dakota unique.”