Mitchell Regional Habitat for Humanity
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  • Home
    • News
    • Contact
  • About Habitat
    • History of Mitchell Habitat
      • 25 Year Anniversary
    • Programs
      • Homeownership Info
      • Home Repair Program
  • ReStore
    • Online ReStore
  • Donate
  • Volunteer with Habitat
  • Board Portal
[email protected]
605-630-3259
 

Garden Party 2026 Recap

Thank You, Mitchell!
The 2026 Garden Party was a blooming success! Thank you to the many businesses, organizations, volunteers, sponsors, donors, and community members who helped make this year's event so special.
​
From creative planter displays to friendly competition and community connections, the Garden Party once again brought people together while supporting the mission of Mitchell Regional Habitat for Humanity.
Every ticket purchased and every planter donated helps us continue building strength, stability, and self-reliance through affordable homeownership in our community.

​🏆 2026 Winners

🌺 Best in Show
First Dakota National Bank
🎨 Most Creative
Krohmer Plumbing
🌟 Most Unusual
Short Staffed Inc.
💙 People's Choice
Neugebauer Heating & Cooling
​

Congratulations to all of our winners and thank you to every participant who shared their creativity and talent with our community.

🌱 Planting with Purpose


The Garden Party is more than a fundraiser—it's a celebration of community.
Each planter represents the generosity, creativity, and spirit that helps Habitat continue building homes and hope for local families.

Thank You to Our Supporters

​A special thank you to our partners and supporters, including:
  • Mitchell Main Street & Beyond
  • Corn Palace
  • Mebius Nursery
  • Klock Werks
  • Mitchell Optimist Club
  • Kiwanis Club of Mitchell
  • Avera
  • First Dakota National Bank
  • Krohmer Plumbing
  • Neugebauer Heating & Cooling
  • Short Staffed Inc.
...and the many additional businesses, organizations, volunteers, and community members who made this event possible.
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Event Photos

Enter the Garden Party Planter & Décor Contest!

Think you’ve got the most creative planter in Mitchell?
Now’s your chance to show it off while supporting affordable housing in our community

This year’s Garden Party at 1st Fridays on Main will feature a fun community planter and décor contest with categories including:
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🌈 People’s Choice
🏆 Best in Show
🎨 Most Creative
🌱 Best Youth Entry
✨ Most Unusual

Whether you're a business, family, organization, artist, gardener, or just someone who loves being creative — we’d love to have you participate!

How You Can Help
🪴 Donate a planter or patio décor item
🙌 Volunteer during the event
🎟️ Attend and vote for your favorites

Every entry, vote, and volunteer hour helps support Mitchell Regional Habitat for Humanity’s mission to build homes, communities, and hope right here in the Mitchell area.
Volunteer or Sign Up to Donate Here
Donate a Planter or Patio Item
Volunteer for the Garden Party
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Join us for the 11th Annual Garden Party on Friday, June 5, 2026, from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM at the Corn Palace Courtyard.
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Each year, local businesses, gardeners, and community members donate beautiful planters, patio décor, outdoor items, and spring-themed pieces that are featured in our raffle and silent auction. Guests enjoy a fun evening filled with flowers, community, and the chance to take home something special — all while supporting Habitat’s mission to build affordable homes for families in our community.
Become an Event Sponsor
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🌷Garden Party 2026🌺

An Evening to Bloom & Give Back!
Friday, June 5 | 5:30-8pm
​📍 6th Avenue, in front of the Corn Palace
🎶 Live Music by Bad Habits
​Join us for a joyful evening filled with flowers, community, and great music! This year’s Garden Party is more than just plants—we’re including patio décor, outdoor accessories, and springtime home décor to help build safe, affordable homes in Mitchell.

🌸How to Get Involved

1️⃣ Donate a Planter or Patio Décor
Want to contribute to the auction? We welcome potted plants, patio items, and spring-themed décor!
🏆 Top business & individual entries win prizes!
📌 Drop-off Details:
📍 Corn Palace Courtyard
📅 Wednesday, June 3
🕒 12:00 PM – 5:30 PM

​🌼Sign Up to Donate a Planter or Patio Décor

​Fill out the form below to donate an item for the auction!🌸
Accepted Items: Potted plants, patio décor, outdoor accessories, and spring-themed home décor.
Donation Form

2️⃣ Bid on Items

​Take home a unique planter, patio piece, or outdoor décor while supporting local families!

🏆 Winners announced at: 8pm
📍 Where?
The auction area will be set up in the Corn Palace Courtyard during the event.
Examples of past donations
🌼 Garden Party – Rules & Guidelines
Everything you need to know to enter your planter or outdoor décor in this year’s event
1. Who Can Enter?
  • Open to individuals, youth (14 & under), families, and businesses
  • You may enter one creation per person, family, or business
  • Outdoor décor entries are welcome! Think beyond planters—garden scenes, whimsical displays, and repurposed yard items are encouraged!

2. Drop-Off Details
  • When: Wednesday, June 3
  • Where: Corn Palace Lobby
  • What to Include:
    • Clearly label your entry with your name, phone/email, and age if entering the youth category
    • Specify if your entry is a planter or outdoor décor

3. Judging Categories
  1. People’s Choice – Voted by the public (most tickets sold wins)
  2. Best in Show – Best overall entry: planter or décor
  3. Most Creative – Most imaginative or artistic use of materials
  4. Best Youth Entry – Created by a child/youth 14 or younger
  5. Most Unusual Planter or Décor – Unique, unexpected, or totally original

4. Judging Criteria
  • Scored from 0–5 by a panel of community judges
  • Considerations include:
    • Creativity & originality
    • Plant health (if applicable)
    • Design & harmony
    • Use of color, texture, and theme
    • Integration of décor or unconventional elements

5. Prizes & Recognition
  • Winners announced: June 6 at First Fridays on Main or if unable to be present by Email/Phone
  • Prizes include:
    • Local gift bundles
    • Certificates & trophies
    • Social media features on Mitchell Habitat’s platforms
    • Website spotlight on MitchellHabitat.org

6. FAQs
  • What sizes are allowed?
    • Max footprint: 24″ wide x 36″ tall. (Contact us for large items.)
  • Can I use fake plants?
    • Yes, but only live plants are eligible for plant-related judging points.
  • Where do I vote for People’s Choice?
    • Tickets will be sold at the event and online starting June 1.
  • Questions? EMAIL or CALL

THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS!

Mitchell has such a giving community! Thank you

🌼 Garden Party 2025: Celebrating Our Winners! 🌼

Mitchell Regional Habitat for Humanity extends heartfelt congratulations to all the participants and winners of our Garden Party 2025! This joyful celebration of creativity, community, and compassion brought together local organizations, businesses, and individuals who helped us grow something truly beautiful.
We are proud to announce this year’s award winners:
  • 🏆 Best in Show: Mitchell Area Garden Club – A stunning, whimsical birdbath overflowing with flowers and twinkle lights.
  • 🌟 People’s Choice: Kiwanis – Playful and personality-packed planters that stole the hearts of the community.
  • 🌿 Most Unusual: Kromer Plumbing – A bold and cheeky succulent arrangement that brought smiles and surprises.
  • 🎨 Most Creative: Bread & Vine Bistro – A heartfelt design featuring a 100+ year-old planter from a local antique store.
  • 👧 Best Youth Entry: Girl Scout Troops 41471 & 41472 – A lovely, overflowing planter showcasing the talent of our youngest gardeners.
  • 🎸 Guitar Auction Winner: Neil Schlimgen – Took home the signed Country Legends Guitar with a winning bid of $3,301!
Together, we celebrated more than gardens—we celebrated community, generosity, and hope. Thank you to everyone who participated, donated, and voted. Your support helps us build more than homes—we build brighter futures.
© COPYRIGHT 2026. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
  • Home
    • News
    • Contact
  • About Habitat
    • History of Mitchell Habitat
      • 25 Year Anniversary
    • Programs
      • Homeownership Info
      • Home Repair Program
  • ReStore
    • Online ReStore
  • Donate
  • Volunteer with Habitat
  • Board Portal