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American Futures

The real sound of Sioux Falls

Bridget Bodnar Sep 6, 2013

Sioux Falls sounds like — the falls of the Big Sioux River (for which the city was named.)

It also sounds like “Welcome to Sioux Falls” in over 60 different languages spoken by the refugee populations that have settled in the city.

It sounds like construction that is impossible escape – a sign of the city’s continued growth. And hey, they don’t start until 6:30 a.m.

Throughout the day in the distance, you can hear the trains of Sioux Falls – several lines came through the town and helped make it a hub for the region in the late 1800s.

It’s not hard to find a “casino” –where video slot machines merrily ring along.

And if you catch her at the right time, grand ole’ dame of Sioux Falls, Sylvia Henkin, will sing the Sioux Falls Song, commissioned by her husband decades ago. The lyrics perfectly predict the town’s continued growth (and show off Sylvia’s charming singing voice).

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