The South Dakota Federation of Republican Women came together for an incredible event.

First, we gathered for our statewide Winter Board Meeting in Pierre, SD.  We then walked to the Capitol building where we enjoyed the beautifully decorated Christmas trees – including SDFRW’s very own 10-foot stunner! 

Full of Christmas spirit, we proceeded to the Capitol’s first floor and the Inaugural Gowns Exhibit. SDFRW both creates and maintains the displays, but until now, most people did not know this. We were joined by Former First Ladies Linda Daugaard and Pat Miller as we unveiled the new SDFRW First Ladies & First Gentlemen plaque that will be on permanent display in the exhibit.

We concluded the day at the St. Charles Hotel. SDFRW and the First Ladies were joined by former Governor Dennis Daugaard and Michelle Rounds Brich (U.S. Senator and former Governor Mike Rounds' sister) for a historic First Ladies & First Gentlemen Reception. Former Miss South Dakota Sara Frankenstein sang Christmas Carols, we learned about the history of the Inaugural Display, and we thoroughly enjoyed hearing about some of the First Ladies' favorite memories of Inauguration and Christmas at the Capitol.  At the end of the program, each First Lady or First Gentleman was presented with a poster and a custom-made cookie depicting his or her respective Inauguration outfit.

Special thank you to Second Lady Sandy Rhoden, Secretary of State Monae Johnson, and PUC Commission Chair Kristie Fiegen for taking time out to join us. Thank you also to the SDFRW First Ladies Committee for putting together such a fantastic event: Chair Claire Rydberg, Past Chair Paula Van Scharrel, and Executive Board Adviser Penny Sattgast. 

Below, check out the link to the Dakota News Now's coverage of the First Ladies Reception. A screenshot of The Dakota Scout article is included in the gallery as well.