South Dakota Rallies Around Dell Rapids Bowling Alley After Fire

Last Thursday, June 4th in the early morning hours, a devastating fire broke out at a beloved local bowling alley in Dell Rapids, South Dakota.

PINZ-Dell Rapids is completely destroyed. But despite all that was lost, there is hope and support pouring out of this small South Dakota town.

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Dakota News Now (with permission)

Our news partners at Dakota News Now were on the scene the day of the fire, and the Dell Rapids Fire Department confirmed the building was a "total loss."

Dakota News Now (with permission)

In an emotional and heartfelt Facebook post, owner Casey McCoy and staff with the PINZ-Dell Rapids explain they are "heartbroken." At the same time, they're "grateful" for the support and all the years in the Dell Rapids community.

We are incredibly grateful to the first responders and volunteers from Dell Rapids, Baltic, Colton, Sioux Falls and the surrounding communities. Their quick actions helped prevent an even greater devastation to other buildings downtown. We cannot thank them enough for what they do and what they did for us today.

As we stand here looking at what remains, it’s hard to put into words what has been lost. Not just a building but decades of memories. Celebrations. Traditions. Friendships… Moments that can never be recreated.

Businesses and communities felt the pain of this loss not just for the community of Dell Rapids, but also for owner Casey McCoy and his family.

My heart goes out to everyone at PINZ, can't imagine how tough this must be. So thankful no one was hurt!! Thoughts and prayers to everyone concerned

Soooo many memories there. Many many prayers

Hang in there. Casey. The community is with you!

Such a loss of so much history!! But many happy memories will remain!

We're thinking of you Casey and feeling grateful that everyone is safe

It's clear that in a small town like Dell Rapids, local businesses are more than neighbors...they're family.

Thank goodness no was hurt and everyone is safe. To the PINZ-Dell Rapids family, thank you for the memories. You will rise from the ashes.

LOOK: Best counties to raise a family in South Dakota

Stacker compiled a list of the best counties to raise a family in South Dakota.

Gallery Credit: Stacker

The Remaining Drive-In Theaters In South Dakota

If you were born last century...you know, in the nineteen hundreds (ugh)...you may have spent a summer evening in the car watching movies. I don't mean on your phone, I mean at the drive-in movie theater!

If you were in Sioux Falls in the 1970s and '80s you may remember seeing Jaws and Indiana Jones at The East Park or the Starlite Drive-In. Both drive-ins opened just after World War 2.

The East Park didn't make it out of the '70s, closing in 1978. The Starlite survived long enough to see the birth of home video, closing in 1985.

FLASHBACK: Remember the East Park and Starlite Drive-in Theaters in Sioux Falls?

Drive-in movies had a bit of a resurgence during the pandemic. They were a way to go out and do something social without getting out of your car.

If you tried one during that time, or you remember the fun of a warm summer evening watching movies on that giant screen there are still places in South Dakota and around Sioux Falls you can do it.

Gallery Credit: Ben Kuhns

Source: South Dakota Rallies Around Dell Rapids Bowling Alley After Fire