With move from Sioux City, Siouxville Grinch brings holiday character to Sioux Falls
December 15, 2025
Martin Dalcourt has been a Grinch for more than 7 years, starting when he lived in Sioux City, where he became the Siouxville Grinch. When Dalcourt and his wife, Tammy, moved to Sioux Falls earlier in 2025, he was able to retain the moniker that echoes the original Who-ville of Dr. Seuss fame.
"I was watching the movie for probably the 50th or 60th time when it came to me: Siouxville, Who-ville, Seuss, Whos. I'm the Siouxville Grinch," Dalcourt said.
"The movie" refers to the 2000 film starring Jim Carrey, "How the Grinch Stole Christmas." "Jim Carrey definitely gave a whole new facet and dimension to the character," Dalcourt said. "I was intrigued by it. I was also intrigued by the makeup."
He's not alone in his admiration. In Dalcourt's experience, children today are often more excited to see the Grinch than Santa Claus. One of his Grinch gigs started because the host organization had received so many requests for a Grinch that they gave Dalcourt a call and established a dedicated space for him.
"By the end of the movie, he's had a change of heart," Dalcourt said. "He discovers what Christmas is truly about: being with family. It's not about the presents but being with the persons you care about. The Grinch was never included, but at the end, he's finally included."
Tammy Dalcourt, who occasionally dresses as Max, the Grinch's canine companion, has time to observe the children who encounter the Grinch. "When I watch him interact with the kids, it's a hoot. I love it," she said.
It's the youngsters who make it worthwhile, Dalcourt said. He was making an appearance at the Railroad Museum in Sioux City one winter when a child approached him.
"One little girl, she looked so sad, and all she wanted to do was give me a hug. That kind of stuck with me," he said. "For a character who's got such a bad rap, for a character with all his negativities, they're drawn to him. They think he's the bee's knees. They're interacting with you and shouting out 'Grinch! Grinch! Grinch!' It's amazing."
Each appearance requires nearly two hours of preparation — special contacts, prosthetics attached with a rubber cement-like substance, lengthened eyelashes, additional makeup, and three layers of clothing including a $1,000 custom Grinch suit over a sweat-wicking undergarment and Santa coat.
Dalcourt, who also offers Monster Karaoke and DJ Services, wants every child he meets to walk away with a smile. "I want them to see a little more the jovial side of the Grinch, more than the mean guy who's going to burn down the tree and trash the house," he said. "Most kids are enamored by the Grinch, and I would hate for that to change because one guy in a suit didn't play nice."
Read the full feature at Pigeon605.com.