WATERTOWN, S.D. (KXLG) – An event to honor the work of those on the front lines in the battle against COVID-19 will take place all across South Dakota this evening. Between 9:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. South Dakota residents are being encouraged to go outside and “Let It Shine.”

A flyover of the 12 largest cities in the state will help to record the event.

What initially began as an event in Sioux Falls to show support for first responders and medical personnel has now grown, with a goal of ultimately uniting the entire state of South Dakota.

Watertown Realtor Kyle Lalim is spearheading the event. He says it was a friend of his that came up with the original idea in Sioux Falls.

Lalim says the idea is to get everyone to turn on their lights as a sign that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

Lalim says he would like to put helicopters, planes, and drones in the skies above the state to get photos of South Dakotans “Letting It Shine.” He says they hope to raise money for the South Dakota Community Foundation’s Coronavirus Response Fund.

Governor Kristi Noem mentioned the event during her press conference on Friday.