MITCHELL, SD (Mitchell Now) — Mitchell Area Habitat for Humanity is doing its best Ricky Nelson impression as part of the First Friday event on Main Street in downtown Mitchell. It’s time for a garden party!
Habitat Executive Director Rachel Marie Hagenbaugh says the event is seeing explosive growth. Last year, there were 45 planters made up by the day of the party. There will be at least 70 on Friday night, displayed in the Corn Palace courtyard.
Hagenbaugh explains how attendees can drive home with one of the exquisitely decorated planters to spiff up their home just in time for summer. Habitat for Humanity volunteers will be selling raffle tickets, starting with a single stub and reaching as long as arm’s length, a package of 40 tickets for only $30.
Attendees spread out through the courtyard, closely inspecting each planter and then they vote by throwing in their tickets into the drawing for those they like best. Hagenbaugh says the designers are a mix of individuals, businesses, and non-profits, and their planters are just as diverse. Some create a fine assortment of succulents meant for inside. Others will arrange elaborate batches of flowers that will bloom as long as the weather stays warm. Some of the unique entries this year include a fire pit and even a television.
Hagenbaugh adds that there will be a dunk tank, kids’ activity area, food stands, plus other businesses taking part in the larger Chamber First Friday event.
As the Garden Party booms, the extra money raised is needed for Habitat’s ambitious expansion goals. The organization is working on homes 11 and 12 as it marks the 25th anniversary in the Mitchell area. Hagenbaugh notes that right now construction is all volunteer-based and dependent on Mitchell Technical College instructor Jim Mahoney, who generously gives to the organization in his free time.
Hagenbaugh wants to hire a full-time construction manager. To pull that off, Hagenbaugh intends to bring a Habitat for Humanity ReStore to Mitchell in the future. The vision is to help homeowners and renters alike by making building supplies and household items more affordable.
The City of Mitchell posted a notice to social media about the event. “To assist with the safety and success of the event, please NO PARKING in the following parking lots from 3:00 PM until 11:00 PM on Friday, June 5, 2026: