In spite of strong wind with gusts up to 30+ mph, the DJI Mini 2 drone was able to capture this Southwest Minnesota corn harvest in action. Manual setting ISO 100/2.8 /1/500. My heart stopped a couple of times when gusts of wind severely tilted the drone but I felt great relief when it quickly recovered. The sky image was captured with a Canon Mark 3 later that same evening. Composite image edited with Photoshop and Topaz.
People in small towns, much more than in cities, share a destiny. ~Richard Russo
Gary, SD is a small community (population 224) nicknamed “Gate City to the West” located along the SD/MN border.
Kudos to graphic designer, Diane Swenson, Canby Print Shop, Canby, MN, for her stellar design work on the 2019 Gary Rodeo poster (which features my image as the background). Canby, MN is a small, southwestern Minnesota town of just 1700 people located 14 miles east of Gary, South Dakota. Our communities may be lacking in size, but we know how to get things done.
You’ll find the Gary Rodeo grounds located on the northwest edge of Gary, SD, in a natural setting with the quaint prairie community of Gary, SD, as its backdrop.
Maybe it’s time for you to take a little trip and experience the life in Gary, South Dakota!
March is coming to a close and with it the sun is setting on an iconic establishment located in historic Gary, South Dakota. When Saturday, March 31, 2018 comes to an end, Bruce and Diane Melby will turn the page of a forty-one year chapter of their lives.
The Alibi was purchased from Jim and Karen Giesel in April of 1977 and since then Bruce and Diane Melby have dedicated their lives to providing a place for people from all walks of life to sit down, engage in lively conversation along with delicious food and beverages. For this we thank you.
It has been a landmark and meeting place for many purposes (Meet me at the Alibi!) and a safe, local hangout for young and old alike. For this we thank you.
Not only did they provide an establishment for food and drink but jobs for young people in the community, as well. These two are credited with teaching many youthful employees through the years how to deal positively with the public, work hard and still be able to laugh. This influence has had a tremendous impact on young lives beyond what a parent may be able to accomplish. For this we thank you.
While slaving away working incredibly long hours, they together raised five children who have grown into personable, hard-working, all-around awesome adults. I don’t know how they did it and I’m guessing they may look back and wonder the same. For this we thank you.
A loyal employee, Sarah Wynn, has been a key factor in the success of this business providing tremendous support with an amazing and diligent work ethic along with tremendous dedication to her job. For this we thank you.
The Alibi is a legend deserving of the Gary, South Dakota Wall of Fame. I will always hear the thud of cowboy boots walking across the old wooden floor, clink of coffee cups, chatter of lively conversations along with occasional outbursts of laughter ringing in my ears. While the business may close its doors, these memories and everything they represents will live on in our hearts forever. For this we thank you.
I leave you with this reaction from Bruce Melby when asked about retirement plans:
Looking for a business venture located in a charming historic community with great people? Opportunity awaits you in Gary, South Dakota!
I had no plans of creating the final composite product when I shot these images, but sometimes things just develop and ideas flow. Hmmm. What if…?
Three rambunctious boys ride their scooters down my driveway.
Swap images in to add their sister and improve expressions. 
Add a colorful sky scene I captured in the Pyrenees back in 2014 (Looks like the South Dakota hills).
Road dust colored in by using Photoshop brushes and finished it off with Topaz edits.
Final product: The Dusty Sunset Gang!
Fences may separate us, but beauty remains.
The parched prairie remains vibrant along this hillside near Gary, South Dakota. We work hard yet still find time to play hard…
Believe it or not, the prairie is brimming with opportunity for youth in our rural area. Musicians, artists, athletes…the list goes on. We have some of the finest schools providing a solid education along with extra-curricular activities to round out the experience. Many of these students are also working part-time jobs, perform volunteer work, and participate in other programs such as 4-H along with their studies. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to be a small part of your high school experience.
The world may seem to be a roller coaster of events, but these examples of the class of 2017 give me hope.
Best wishes for the future and peace out!
…summer on the prairie.
The earth has music for those who will listen ~ George Santayana
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