1. Leap Years Impact Elections: In 1972, the South Dakota State Senate passed a bill that would have extended the term of office from two years to three years, but it was defeated in an election year because it would have meant that the senators would hold office for an extra day during a leap year.

2. Blizzard of 1912: On February 29, 1912, a massive blizzard hit South Dakota, dropping up to three feet of snow in some areas. It lasted for three days and resulted in at least 25 deaths, making it one of the deadliest blizzards in state history.

3. Statehood Day: February 29, 1889 is the day that South Dakota became the 40th state in the United States. This makes every leap year a special Statehood Day for South Dakotans.

4. Women’s Suffrage: South Dakota passed a women’s suffrage bill on February 29, 1918. Women were given the right to vote in elections, making South Dakota one of the first states in the Union to grant women’s suffrage.

5. Leap Year Birthdays: Many children who are born on February 29th in South Dakota celebrate their birthday on either February 28th or March 1st in non-leap years. This is because their birthday only occurs every four years. Some people who are born on February 29th even go their entire lives without experiencing a “real” birthday.