Dana Ferguson

dferguson@argusleader.com

UPDATE: See live coverage of Bernie Sanders in South Dakota here.

Democratic presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders will campaign across the state Thursday in an effort to gain traction with South Dakota voters ahead of the state's June 7 primary.

The U.S. senator from Vermont will spend the morning meeting with supporters in Pine Ridge, will then hold a rally at Memorial Park in Rapid City and will end the day with an evening rally in Sioux Falls, his campaign announced Tuesday.

Local Sanders fans rejoiced at the opportunity to see the candidate in person.

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Dan Nissen, owner of Total Drag record store, said he was initially saddened Tuesday that the campaign planned to stop in South Dakota, but not on the east side of the state. When he learned Tuesday afternoon that the candidate would come to Sioux Falls, he was instantly happier, Nissen said, standing outside his shop which prominently features a Sanders campaign poster in the window.

"We normally stay open until 8 on Thursdays, but we're closing early to be there," Nissen said. "He's by far our favorite candidate."

SEE ALSO: As Trump becomes presumptive nominee, S.D. Republicans weigh support

Nissen said he and his wife, Liz McGreevy Nissen, bought a large box of Sanders campaign yard signs, posters and bumper stickers, all of which were bought within a week.

"We're just trying our hardest to spread the word that he really does have a chance, no matter what people say," Nissen said.

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Suzanne Jones Pranger, executive director of the South Dakota Democratic Party, said the party was glad Sanders decided to campaign across the state.

Sanders currently trails Hillary Clinton in delegates and super delegates, but with 25 delegates on the line in its primary and with the benefit of Independent voters being able to vote with Democrats June 7, he could have a chance at winning the state.

Both Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama campaigned on South Dakota reservations ahead of the state's Democratic primary in 2008.

Clinton hasn't indicated that she'll campaign in South Dakota this year, nor has presumptive GOP nominee Donald Trump.

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If you go:

Pine Ridge

When: Thursday. Doors open at 8:45 a.m. and the event begins at 10:45 a.m.

Where: New gym of the Pine Ridge School, 101 Thorpe Circle, Pine Ridge, S. D.

What to know: The event is free and open to the public. Seating is first come, first served and RSVPs are encouraged. For security reasons, the campaign recommends bringing only necessary items like keys or cell phones. Weapons, posters or banners on sticks and chairs will not be allowed. Parking is available around the school or near the football stadium. Oglala Sioux Transit will also offer public transit.

Rapid City

When: Thursday. Doors open at Noon and the event begins at 2 p.m.

Where: Memorial Park (at the intersection of 5th St. and Omaha St.) in Rapid City, S.D.

What to know: The event is free and open to the public. Seating is first come, first served and RSVPs are encouraged. For security reasons, the campaign recommends bringing only necessary items like keys or cell phones. Weapons, posters or banners on sticks and chairs will not be allowed. Parking is available in lots G and H. Attendees can enter the rally through the Omaha Street entrance.

Sioux Falls

When: Thursday. Doors open at 5 p.m. and the event starts at 7:30 p.m.

Where: Convention Center at Denny Sanford Premier Center, 1201 N. West Avenue, Sioux Falls, S.D.

What to know: The event is free and open to the public. Seating is first come, first served and RSVPs are encouraged. For security reasons, the campaign recommends bringing only necessary items like keys or cell phones. Weapons, posters or banners on sticks and chairs will not be allowed. Parking is available on-site.