Black Hills Roundup 2019

JULY 1-JULY 6

BELLE FOURCHE, SD RODEO H CARNIVAL H PARADE FIREWORKS & MORE!

Page 2, Black Hills Roundup 2019

The Black Hills Pioneer/Weekly Prospector

Black Hills Roundup

honoring the Black Hills’ rodeo roots by the Bit and Spur Saddle tertainment.

Club, which added to the In the 1940s, a buffalo hunt entertainment and fun of the would be staged, as actors rodeo atmosphere. dressed in Native American Rodeo events were cangarb to chase the buffalo celed in 1929 as they ran because of through the the mud in arena, and in the arena. An more recent early newspayears there per clipping have been tells of what trick acts replaced the with buffalo events: “a performing burlesque all sorts of show was interesting put on for feats. two or three Chariot hours…” racing Outdoor robecame a deos today favorite in Clay Crago, are rarely, if the 1950s Black Hills Roundup ever, stopped and 1960s, chairman on account of where a twoweather, and wheeled cart there is plenpulled by one ty of evidence horse held a to suggest the appearance racer, and many contestants of mud on many horses and readied their horses for this competitors throughout the event as they traveled. action of the Roundup.

The horse would pull The 1930s brought the the family and rodeo supchance for the younger genplies to Belle Fourche in eration to participate in the true practical training, events of the rodeo. and later race against one A rancher would agree another with much lighter to bring a dozen calves, loads. and children could earn The formation of the $1 to ride a calf in the arePRCA (Pro Rodeo Cowboys na. Many youngsters also Association) standardpracticed their trick riding ized seven events for the during the Roundup.

Roundup: bareback riding, Buffalo have been present tie-down roping, team ropthroughout the Roundup ing, saddle bronc riding, events since the 1940s, either ROOTS Pg 5 in staged stampedes or en-

“

To carry on the rodeo and the cowboy tradition for 100 years is just phenomenal.

”

The 100th annual Black Hills Roundup will take place this year July 1-6. The festivities include a ranch rodeo, PRCA rodeos, fireworks, chuckwagon races, a parade and so much more.

Courtesy photos

Pioneer Staff Reports

One of America’s oldest continually running outdoor rodeos turns 100 this year, when the Black Hills Roundup takes place July 1-6.

“Very few PRCA rodeos can say that,” Black Hills Roundup Committee Chairman Clay Crago said in describing a centennial celebration. “To carry on the rodeo and the cowboy tradition for 100 years is just phenomenal.”

Started in 1918 to raise funds for the Red Cross during World War I, and named the “Tri-State Roundup,” theevent drew 15,000 spectators to Belle Fourche its first year.

Despite the town’s population of 1,410 people, it was such a success that its organizers held it again and again. That first Roundup started on the Fourth of July and raised nearly $20,000 for the war effort and consisted of saddle bronc riding, wagon, horse and relay races, bulldogging, steer and calf roping, cow pony races, and a ladies’ bucking contest.

Simple in setup in its humble beginning, the rodeo had no chutes or stands, and the arena was barely fenced in enough to keep the horses from getting out. Obviously this made for more risk, as the contestant would have to catch the bronc before a

ride. The rules were simple: choose a bronc, “ear” it, climb on, nod, and start.

To “ear” a horse, two or three cowboys would catch its head and bite its ear to control it, distracting it long enough to saddle up and hop on. In the ladies’ bucking contest, women were required to “shackle” their horse, tying the stirrups

together underneath the horse, as it was believed to be safer and easier for the women to thus participate.

Roundups through the 1920s consisted of whatever the organizing group at the time decided to do, as there was no standard or type of events for a rodeo.

Many events at the early Roundups were organized

The Black Hills Pioneer/Weekly Prospector

14 past Roundup chairmen to be honored as parade marshals for centennial celebration

By Lacey Peterson Black Hills Pioneer

BELLE FOURCHE –– Fourteen past Black Hills Roundup chairpersons have been selected to represent the organization as the parade marshals in this year’s Independence Day parade.

The decision was made by the Roundup board of directors in an effort to honor the former chairmen and women who served the annual rodeo.

The past living chairman, followed by their respective years of service, who will serve as this year’s parade marshals include: Bruce Carlson (1980-81); Ron Hise (1988-89); Randy Mace (1992-93); Francis Madden (1994-95); David Pummel (1996-97); Kevin Bailey (1998-99); Casey Hunter (2000-01); Karen Wagner (2002-03); Bill O’Dea (2004-05); Duane “Gabby” Bush (200809); Scott Reder (2010-11); Mark Leverington (201213); Ferman Clarkson (2014-15); and Justin Tupper (2016-17).

The group includes those still living among the 37 past and current chairpersons of the Black Hills Roundup.

The parade marshals will ride on a float and be honored toward at the end of the parade. This year’s parade is set to begin at 10:30 a.m. on July 4.

Mark Leverington, the current parade chairman and owner of Leverington Funeral Home of the Northern Hills in Belle Fourche, said he considers himself as a representative of the fans of rodeo.

“And as a result, I kind of bring a special perspective to the board,” he said.

“I was the guy watching TV at 2 a.m. when the National Finals Rodeo was on ESPN and I would watch all 10 rounds,” Leverington said. “I love every part of the rodeo; I’m the one that never wants to leave his seat because there’s something coming up.”

Leverington, who is originally from Minnesota, and his wife, Deb, have lived in Belle Fourche for 14 years. The pair met at college in Minnesota.

Deb Leverington is from Lemmon, which drew them back to the area.

“It’s kind of a dream come true to come to the Black Hills; we’d been to the Roundup before moving here so we definitely knew about it” Leverington said. “Coming here was like ‘Oh boy, this is where the Black Hills Roundup is and its an amazing rodeo.’”

Within no time, the Leveringtons were asked to volunteer with the rodeo and they’ve never looked back since.

“Pretty soon I was asked to be on the board of directors,” he said, adding that he’s served on the board for 11 years and served as the committee’s chairman for two years.

Serving on the board is not for the faint of heart.

On top of serving as the parade chairman and ensuring the annual parade goes off without a hitch, Leverington said serving on the board means always thinking about and planning next year’s event.

“We’ll have a meeting right after the rodeo in July after the Roundup is over and start talking about next year,” he said. “So it really is a lifestyle.”

His favorite part about serving on the board is helping and getting to know people.

“I just love the public relations side of it,” Leverington said.

Last year was an all-time high for him.

Leverington was given the opportunity to escort then Gov. Dennis Daugaard who attended the Fourth of July festivities.

“I got to escort him at one of the rodeos and hang out with him the whole night,” he said.

The parade chairman himself has only had the opportunity to see the parade one time, in 2006, in the last 13 years. He’s so busy coordinating the event that he’s not been able to witness the glory of his production.

This will be Leverington’s final year on the board as he’s announced his resignation.

“There’s got to be an end, everyone’s got to resign at some point,” he said. “And you don’t want to stay too long, either.”

One of Leverington’s sons will be getting married in Custer during the Black Hills Roundup next year, and he saw that as a sign that it was time for him to resign. However, he has not ruled out the option of serving on the board again someday.

“You never know; it doesn’t have to be permanent,” he said of his resignation. “It will be a big void in my life; I’m going to miss it a lot.”

To become a spectator is going to be difficult for Leverington.

“When you love something, it’s not easy to walk away,” he said.

The popular Black Hills Roundup parade will be held at 10:30 a.m. on July 4. Pioneer file photo

Black Hills Roundup 2019, Page 3

‘Celebrating Our Roots in Boots’ Roundup gears up to celebrate 100 years of heritage in 4th of July Parade

By Lacey Peterson Black Hills Pioneer

BELLE FOURCHE –– The Black Hills Roundup invites the public to come see the color and pageantry of its Fourth of July parade as it celebrates its American heritage with marching bands, floats, lots of horses and, of course, a sizable dose of Belle Fourche hospitality and fun.

This year’s theme is “100 Years of Heritage, Celebrating Our Roots in Boots.”

Mark Leverington, parade chairman, said that while the deadline to register to participate in the parade has passed, the committee would never turn a float, band, dignitary, or any other type of participant away.

“We do anticipate a much bigger parade,” he said, adding that so far, parade entry numbers are on par with last year’s. “We’re hoping for about 300 entries; I think we had about 250 last year.”

Leverington said that the committee is offering about $1,000 worth of cash prizes for a dozen entry categories.

Leverington is looking for a large number of volunteers to assist with parade lineup, traffic, safety, dignitary escorts, announcers, judges, and more.

The route for this year’s parade was approved by the Belle Fourche City Council June 3, shortening the previously approved route by approximately three blocks.

Recent wet weather has impeded progress on the Hay Creek Bridge replacement project on Eighth Avenue. The construction project was expected to be completed by mid-June, just in time for the holiday festivities.

The former parade route was set to begin at the intersection of National and Elkhorn streets, heading north. Then, the parade would head northwest on Elkhorn Street and down State Street and hook over to Roundup Street and along Eighth Avenue.

The parade was originally planned to end where Eighth Avenue meets National Street. The new route mirrors the former plan but ending one-third of a mile sooner at Eighth Avenue’s intersection with Jackson Street in front of the police station.

This year’s parade will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Independence Day. For more information or to see the parade route, visit the website at Blackhillsroundup.com.

Those interested in volunteering are asked to call Leverington at (605) 645-7672.

Page 4, Black Hills Roundup 2019

The Black Hills Pioneer/Weekly Prospector

Schedule of Events Sunday, June 30

• 9 a.m.-1 p.m. — 10th annual Charity Golf Tournament, Belle Fourche Country Club

Monday, July 1 •

•

•

•

•

•

9:30-10:30 a.m. — Miss Black Hills Roundup Introductions & Fashion Forward Style Show, Christian Life Center 10:40-11:30 a.m. — Miss Black Hills Roundup Modeling & Impromptu Speeches, Christian Life Center 11:30 a.m.-noon: Miss Black Hills Roundup Media Interviews for Senior Contestants, Christian Life Center Noon-2 p.m. — Miss Black Hills Roundup Personal Interviews & Photo Judging, Christian Life Center 3-4:30 p.m. — Miss Black Hills Roundup Horsemanship competition, Roundup Grounds 6-9 p.m. — Black Hills Roundup Sponsor Kickoff Party, Roundup Grounds

Tuesday, July 2 •

•

• •

•

•

3 p.m. — Cattle drive, down State Street, Belle Fourche 5:30 p.m. — Community BBQ, Roundup Grounds Free BBQ with a Ranch Rodeo ticket 5:45 p.m. — Mutton Bustin’, Roundup Grounds 6 p.m. — Miss Black Hills Roundup Queen Coronation, Roundup Grounds 6:30 p.m. — Introduction of Ranch Rodeo teams and Cowboy Auction 7 p.m. — 10th annual Black Hills Roundup Ranch Rodeo, Roundup Grounds

Following the Ranch Rodeo: Kenny Feidler Concert, Roundup Grounds

Wednesday, July 3 • • • •

10 a.m. — PRCA Steer Roping, Roundup Grounds 1-4 p.m. — Carnival, downtown Belle Fourche 6 p.m. — Mutton Bustin’, Roundup Grounds 7 p.m. — 1st performance of 100th annual Black Hills Roundup, Roundup Grounds

During intermission: Ranch Rodeo Bronc Riding Championship During the rodeo: The One-Armed Bandit and Mini-Chuckwagon races Following the rodeo: Clarkson Family Foundation and Black Hills Roundup presents the Areas Largest Fireworks Show. Pyrotechnics provided by Fritz Carlson of Belle Fourche

Thursday, July 4 •

• •

10:30 a.m. — 100th Annual Black Hills Roundup parade, downtown Belle Fourche. A B-1 flyover will begin the parade 1 p.m. — Carnival, downtown Belle Fourche 3 p.m. — 2nd performance of 100th annual Black Hills Roundup, Roundup Grounds (Military Appreciation/First Responders Night)

During the rodeo: The One-Armed Bandit and Mini-Chuckwagon races Following the rodeo: Street Dance (music by

American Aquarium), downtown Belle Fourche - free admission

Friday, July 5 •

• •

8 a.m. — Black Hills Roundup slack, Roundup Grounds 1 p.m. — Carnival, downtown Belle Fourche.

7 p.m. — 3rd performance of 100th annual Black Hills Roundup, Roundup Grounds.

(Tough Enough to Wear Pink/Chutes for Charity Night)

During intermission: Calf Scramble During the rodeo: The One-Armed Bandit and Mini-Chuckwagon races Following the rodeo: Clarkson Family Foundation and Black Hills Roundup presents the Areas Largest Fireworks Show. Pyrotechnics provided by Fritz Carlson of Belle Fourche.

Saturday, July 6 • •

1 p.m. — Carnival, downtown Belle Fourche 7 p.m. — 4th performance of 100th annual Black Hills Roundup, Roundup Grounds (Family Night)

During intermission: Calf Scramble During the rodeo: The One-Armed Bandit, Mini-Chuckwagon races, and recognition of Western Wish individuals

Sunday, July 7

• 1 p.m. — Carnival, downtown Belle Fourche.

The Black Hills Pioneer/Weekly Prospector

Black Hills Roundup 2019, Page 5 from Pg 2

ROOTS

Celebrating its centenial, the Black Hills Roundup will be held July 1-6. Courtesy photo

steer wrestling, barrel racing, and bull riding.

Fast forward to 100 years after its inception and the annual rodeo has gained national attention and accolades.

The Black Hills Roundup was named last year as the PRCA Medium Outdoor Rodeo of the Year. Its committee earned induction into the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame, and the facility was named WPRA Badlands Circuit Ground of the Year.

“It’s kind of been a fairy tale for us,” Crago said in describing 2018. “I don’t know how you top it.”

Events for this year will include a cattle drive, mutton bustin’, ranch rodeo, concerts, steer roping, a downtown carnival, a street dance, two nights of fireworks, and four PRCA rodeo performances.

And of course there is the Fourth of July parade starting at 10:30 a.m. A B-1 bomber flyover is scheduled to begin that parade.

The cattle drive will include about 200 head of longhorns and begin about 30 miles west of Belle Fourche. Some of those cattle will be used for that night’s ranch rodeo.

“We’re trying to go back to the old days somewhat but still keep a modern rodeo,” Crago said in describing preparation for the 100th.

Chuckwagon races will be included during each PRCA performance.

Two wagons at a time will maneuver through a double-barrel course, with two heats per night culminating in a championship round July 6.

“It’s going back to old-school, a 100 years deal,” Crago said in explaining the races.

That return to the roots is what Crago looks forward to the most.

He also anticipates seeing how attendees re-

spond to what the Roundup does.

Crago’s familiarity with the Roundup goes back many years. He is part of a ranch family and has gone from committee member to chairman.

“There are so many that are unforgettable,” Crago said when asked about his Roundup memories. “I think some of the best ones are the fireworks that Fritz Carlson puts on, and just the caliber of bucking stock that comes to the rodeo.”

A tribute is in the works to honor the memory of one of the Roundup family lost earlier this year.

Chad Nicholson, longtime voice of the Black Hills Roundup, was killed in a vehicle accident this spring while helping a friend in California.

Crago said a committee is planning the event, and he said those plans will be finalized shortly before the start of the celebration.

One of the biggest changes Crago has seen is the ranch rodeo that made its debut here 10 years ago, along with two nights of fireworks and four PRCA performances.

An estimated 12,000 people attended last year.

Crago said this year’s July 4 parade would be larger than usual and thinks 25,000 people may be in town that day.

The Black Hills Roundup began when 15,000 people gathered in a field in Belle Fourche to raise funds for World War I in 1918.

The Black Hills Roundup Committee is one of a handful of 100 percent volunteer run events of its kind in the nation.

The Roundup has not lost its heart. It’s managed to remain appealing to the rodeo purist while simultaneously attracting those whom wouldn’t be caught dead in a cowboy hat.

For many people in and around the Black Hills region, the Fourth of July means Roundup.

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Page 6, Black Hills Roundup 2019

The Black Hills Pioneer/Weekly Prospector

‘The One-Arm Bandit and Company’ coming to Black Hills Roundup

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer

BELLE FOURCHE — Attendees at the 100th Black Hills Roundup will witness the specialty act “The OneArm Bandit and Company” during PRCA Rodeo performances.

The horse act based in Shidler, Okla., includes a customized truck and trailer. A horse will jump on the back of a pickup and then go up on the trailer.

Amanda Payne, the daughter of act founder John Payne, will stand in the saddle and pop a bullwhip.

Two long-horned steers run around the arena and jump on the pickup and then the trailer.

The truck and trailer then travel backwards. Payne will jump up on the trailer and, as it leaves the area, will spin her horse on top of the trailer as it leaves the arena.

This act has garnered “Entertainer of the Year” honors 15 times, and PRCA “Specialty Act of the Year” honors 12 times.

Payne will have two or three riders, depending on how many of her children attend. The act will include two or three horses to go with the two steers.

John Payne started this show in 1987. Amanda and one of John’s sons

joined the act, as did one of John’s nephews. John said Amanda has performed this show for 20 to 22 years on her own.

What do the Paynes enjoy most about working with the animals?

“We’re monitoring these animals at all times,” John said. “They’re our best friends, and they’re kind of like pupils of ours.” He likened the Paynes and animals as one big, happy family.

John said the act uses inexpensive animals. They are then trained; the Paynes currently own about 60 horses. He prefers the South Dakota Indian horses that come from the Rosebud Sioux Reservation.

Amanda hauls a couple of quarter horses along with a paint horse.

“We prefer to start with something that’s easy to work with,” John said in describing the ideal horse for training. He added the horse shows whether or not it wishes to be a show animal.

“You can look at a horse’s eyes and tell a lot about him and his manner,” John said. He also watches how a horse carries itself.

The name of the act — “The OneArm Bandit” — stems from an accident John had decades ago.

John was 20 years old in 1973 when he was electrocuted with 7,200 volts during a construction accident. He was technically deceased for about five minutes when he was resuscitated.

He lost an arm and part of a leg while sustaining serious internal injuries. However, there was no brain damage.

“When I came back, I started noticing the finer things in life,” John said of how the accident changed him.

“You learn to be more appreciative and not in such a hurry, and you have a lot more patience.”

John regards a horse as man’s best friend. He said the accident severely burned his leg, and riding a horse helped that muscle grow back.

He estimates the show has put on 6,000 performances in 32 years. A typical year easily includes 50 performances.

He said it is a great honor for the act to be part of the 100th Black Hills Roundup.

“That goes to tell you that you’ve got a darn good show, and they’re going to be proud to have you represent them at the 100th anniversary,” John said.

John looks forward to driving for his grandchildren to future shows. He said the show has performed several varieties of shows, using animals like buffaloes and a zebra.

The day of a performance finds the Paynes showing the horses and steers the arena, plus the gates.

They ride the horses to show them the flags and banners.

Drivers of the truck and trailers will be told how to do things. The Paynes chat with the announcer, soundman, gate people, and those bringing the animals in and out.

“What we want the people to do is forget about some of their troubles from day-to-day life, sit for two hours, enjoy a rodeo, and put a little smile on their face,” John said. He added another goal is for the animals and riders to do well.

John said the Paynes are their biggest critics.

“If I’m happy, everyone else will be happy, and the same way with my daughter,” he said.

The Paynes’ trailer proclaims his parents as the best sponsors he has ever had.

“We’re family,” he explained. “If it weren’t for Mom and Dad, none of us would be here.”

“The One-Arm Bandit and Company” will be the Specialty Act at this year’s Black Hills Roundup in Belle Fourche. Photo courtesy of Amanda Payne

The Black Hills Pioneer/Weekly Prospector

Black Hills Roundup 2019, Page 7

Belle Fourche’s 2-night fireworks display is sure to give city a front-row seat Pioneer Staff Reports

The upcoming Belle Fourche fireworks display will be among the best around this year as the renowned show doubles in size — spreading out over two nights once again.

This year’s presentations will take place on Wednesday, July 3 and Friday, July 5 after each evening’s Black Hills Roundup rodeo performance.

The baseball fields east of the rodeo grounds will host the display around 10 p.m.

“What makes this show so special is the location of it,” said Friz Carlson, the certified pyrotechnician who heads the display.

“It is down in a bowl where at the Roundup Grounds you get a front-row seat — but it’s easy to see them all over town. People can sit on their porches and see it.”

Each year Carlson switches up the fireworks show.

He said previously that he gives the fireworks manufacturer his wish list upon his order.

The company will follow up with him as to what is available.

“There are always the new pat-

terns. We try to make it as good or better than last year’s.”

The pyrotechnic display offers a great display, Carlson said.

“We shoot a good variety of high aerials and an amazing ground show at the end,” Carlson said of the show that has evolved into a Belle Fourche tradition.

Much of the money for the community-driven show comes from donations and the city of Belle Fourche.

Other funds come from the Clarkson Family Foundation and other private donors.

The Belle Fourche Reservoir was home to the show for a handful of years until, due to safety concerns, the Bureau of Reclamation would not allow the fireworks show to take place at reservoir after 2004.

The in-town location is an improvement, Carlson said.

He added, however, it is more difficult to collect funds for future shows.

Safety is the primary focus of planning. A site survey is done each year to make sure the area is adequate.

Carlson said a minimum safety zone equaling a 70-foot radius for each inch of shell diameter is needed.

The largest shell used is 5 inches, which necessitates a 350-foot radius from where the shells are shot.

Most of the shells used in the display measure three to five inches.

In the days leading up to the Roundup, each display will take six people 12 hours to pre-wire the pyrotechnics and then the same number of people another 12 hours the day of the show to lay out and wire the display.

“All that for 20 minutes (of fireworks),” Carlson joked.

The Roundup Committee and Ranch Rodeo Committee has earmarked a portion of the events to help fund the fireworks display, but Carlson stressed that donations are critical to continue to grow the show. People wishing to donate for next year’s show may send contributions to the Belle Fourche City Finance Office. They are to use a “Fireworks Fund” notation to mark donations.

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COPYRIGHT, 2019, Black Hills Pioneer. All rights reserved.

Nothing may be reprinted, photocopied, or in any way reproduced from this publication, in whole or in part, without written permission from the publisher.

The fireworks display will be returning again to the Black Hills Roundup Rodeo in Belle Fourche.

Pioneer file photo

Page 8, Black Hills Roundup 2019

The Black Hills Pioneer/Weekly Prospector

Ranch Rodeo a more ranch-oriented event

Pioneer staff reports

What do wild cow milking, bucking horse rides and branding contests have in common?

The popular ranch rodeo at this year’s Black Hills Roundup.

The 10th annual ranch rodeo takes place at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 2, at the Roundup grounds.

The rodeo showcases cowboys’ ranching prowess in a variety of wrangling competitions. While many attendees know the typical rodeo events — bronc riding, roping, barrel racing and bull riding — the ranch rodeo takes competitors back in time.

The events are much more ranch-oriented than rodeo-oriented. The ranch rodeo features wild cow milking, bucking horse rides, branding contests, stray gathering and sorting events.

The ranch rodeo has gained rising interest over the years as fans gather to watch which team is the best in the area Before the event, a free barbecue will be offered at 5:30 p.m. to ranch rodeo ticket holders. The barbecue, has been a Roundup tradition for several years and provides all the typical barbecue fixing’s. Another tradition is pre-rodeo mutton busting for young, up-and-coming ranchers; this is set to start at 5:45 p.m.

The celebration will continue after the ranch rodeo. Kenny Feidler will perform a concert behind the roundup grandstands.

Cowboys compete at the Ranch Rodeo during the 2018 Black Hills Roundup at 7 p.m. on July 2. Pioneer file photos

The Black Hills Pioneer/Weekly Prospector

Black Hills Roundup 2019, Page 9

Calf scramble Ranch Rodeo BBQ goes to the kids fixing up good food The Black Hills Ranch Rodeo will begin July 2 at 7 p.m. at the rodeo grounds in Belle Fourche. The Black Hills Roundup Barbecue will be held at 5:30 p.m. prior to the ranch rodeo at the roundup grounds.

The purchase of a rodeo ticket also affords the

chance to take in the first go-round of mutton busting, at 5:45 p.m. that evening.

Tickets are $17 for adults and $12 for children. They are available in advance at the Center of the Nation Visitor Center located at 415 5th Avenue in Belle Fourche or at the gate July 2.

Organizers of the Black Hills Roundup will host the calf scramble during intermission of the rodeo, but this year there will be two chances for kids.

During the Friday and Saturday performance of the rodeo, kids can race after calves with ribbons tied to their tails. Grab a ribbon and win a prize.

Pioneer file photo

Pioneer file photo

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Page 10, Black Hills Roundup 2019

The Black Hills Pioneer/Weekly Prospector

Carnival

offers fun for all ages Pioneer Staff Reports

The annual Northstar Amusements carnival returns to the Black Hills Roundup, keeping the two-decade tradition alive.

The weeklong carnival kicks off the Roundup, opening at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, July 3, with a kids’ carnival.

Amusement-goers inspired by the rodeo can find rides to jolt their adrenaline, while those not ready to take the excitement to the next level can hop on more mellow rides.

The clean and family-oriented carnival encompasses about a twoand-a-half block area and runs throughout the entire Roundup, ending on Sunday, July 7.

Wristbands are on sale early in Belle Fourche through the TriState Museum and Visitors Center, Northern Hills Federal Credit Union, Pioneer Bank and Trust, Wells Fargo, the Belle Fourche Chamber of Commerce, and First Interstate Bank. In Spearfish, they are available at the chamber of commerce.

Early wristband sales, through 5 p.m. on July 2, are $25 allowing the wearer unlimited rides. Each day requires a new wristband.

The cost to purchase a wristband at the carnival is $30.

Tickets for individual rides will also be sold at the carnival.

Carnival games can be played for an additional fee.

Pioneer file photo

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the Center of the Nation

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The Black Hills Pioneer/Weekly Prospector

Cattle drive

pays homage to

Old West

It will be a step back into time — as the Old West comes alive in Belle Fourche on July 2. Cowboys will herd longhorn cattle down State Street in Belle Fourche as a tribute to the Old West. The cattle drive, using stock from area ranchers, will take place at 3 p.m. Pioneer file photo

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Black Hills Roundup 2019, Page 11

Hanging on for the first time

The Black Hills Roundup’s youngest athletes will have two chances to compete in mutton busting. The traditional sheep riding competition will be at 5:45 p.m.

Tuesday, July 2 and again at 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 3. Pioneer file photo

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The Black Hills Pionee

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The Black Hills Pioneer/Weekly Prospector

Powder River celebrates banner year with Black Hills Roundup

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer

When Hank and Lori Franzen arrived in Belle Fourche with truckloads of stock for the Black Hills Roundup — the rodeo was losing its appeal, and numbers were down.

“When we first came to the rodeo, there was no one in the stands and no concessions,” Franzen said.

But all of that has changed.

“Now, we have near-sellout crowds all three days,” she said.

The owners of Powder River Rodeo have consistently brought in high-caliber livestock that attract professional cowboys with a stellar record who are looking for a challenge.

But it wasn’t just that. The Franzens enjoyed themselves so much the first year that they have since then dedicated time and energy into bringing one of the largest and longstanding rodeos in the nation back to life.

“Hank and Lori are like family to this rodeo because when they came into the picture, the rodeo was in dire shape,” former Black Hills Roundup chairman Mark Leverington said. “They really worked hard to improve the overall production and got us where we are today. When it comes to the Franzens, they mean the world to the Roundup.”

The company is headquartered in Riverton, Wyo., and they travel all over the country providing National Rodeo Finals-quality stock for upwards of 90 different events each year.

Lori said she and her husband Hank did what they could to “spice up the rodeo,” add a bit of “pizazz” to the production, and streamline the event to keep people entertained.

“Our livestock is some of the absolute best in the world, and that’s why the Black Hills Roundup is one of the best rodeos in the country,” she said. “I absolutely love being able to play a small part in their success.”

And their contribution of stock at the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas is proof.

“When I look back on those days and talk to people who were working so hard to turn the rodeo around, I just feel so proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish… and today the stands are packed, and the Roundup is in a whole different market,” Lori said, noting the volunteers, committee members, and local rodeo enthusiasts are all responsible for its success.

“It makes us feel so good to be a part of creating new tactics and new ways to help this rodeo grow, and I’ll never forget the experiences I’ve had over the years.”

Today, the Roundup spices up every Fourth of July weekend in Belle Fourche with its PRCA rodeo action, the largest parade and fireworks display in the area, concerts, carnival, and so much more. The crew at Powder River Rodeo will load up four semis with 60 head of bucking horses and cruise into town about a week prior to the event. Early arrival is key to keeping the animal athletes healthy and safe.

“They require a lot of time and effort to keep them healthy and looking good,” Lori said. “They can only perform if they are at 100 percent, so it’s our job to give them 100 percent of our attention.”

But, it’s also a chance for Lori and the rest of her family to enjoy the company of the locals.

“I love Belle Fourche and the people who live there,” Lori said.

“Over the years, we’ve built some amazing friendships over the years, and I can’t wait to see everyone.”

Powder River Rodeo Company came to life in February 1986 when they began producing amateur rodeos. Today, they provide stock for more than 90 professional rodeo events in 10 different states each year.

When they first started the company, the Franzens bought 40 horses and 20 bulls from an amateur stock contractor in Kalispell, Mont.

Within the next year, the couple purchased their PRCA stock contractors card.

In the fall of 1988, they were given their first opportunity to nominate livestock to the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas and had three animals selected.

In the spring of 1989, they purchased a bucking horse named Khadafy Skoal: a world-renowned horse that made several appearances at the Black Hills Roundup during his professional career.

“What a finale to a phenomenal career,” Lori said. “Only 27 animals including Khadafy have been inducted into the hall of fame, and he was the first one to be alive in person for the induction ceremony.

“Family is an important aspect of our operation because we all truly love rodeo, and we want to share that love with everyone we meet,” Lori said.

The couple has two children,

Powder River Rodeo will provide stock fot the 2019 BH Roundup. Courtesy photo

who were introduced to rodeo very early on, who provide their enthusiasm and experience to the family-owned business.

Their daughter Jill FranzenLoden is one of the most sought-after sound technicians in the professional rodeo circuit.

She has showcased her talents during the Black Hills Roundup But, not to be outdone, their son John Franzen is a profes-

sional rodeo athlete himself and is very involved with the company.

PRCA rodeo performances are set for 7 p.m. July 3; 3 p.m. July 4; 7 p.m. July 5; 7 p.m. July 6.

For more information on Powder River Rodeo visit www.powderriverrodeo.com.

The Black Hills Pioneer/Weekly Prospector

Black Hills Roundup 2019, Page 15

Steven Goedert to announce at BH Roundup

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer

BELLE FOURCHE — Steven Goedert will keep rodeo fans appraised of PRCA Rodeo performance happenings during the 100th Black Hills Roundup in Belle Fourche.

The 38-year-old resident of Dillon, Mont., has announced rodeos for almost 20 years. He replaces the longtime announcer, Chad Nicholson, who died in a vehicle accident while helping a friend in California.

Goedert worked at a livestock sales barn while in the Marine Corps. He recalled wanting to speak in a very catchy manner for an audience.

He did not really want to major in communications in college.

“I figured something that I’d enjoy would be the ability to be a rodeo announcer,” he said.

Goedert cited the voice inflections and the ability to control a crowd.

A cow buyer at the sales barn where Goedert worked presided over the state high school rodeo association.

Goedert received permission to start announcing; he started working high school and amateur events.He applied for his PRCA card, and things progressed from there. He spent several years announcing the Junior World Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, Nev. He had a passion for this work and pursued whatever opportunities came along.

“I love the ambience of a rodeo,” Goedert said. “I love the energy that it has; I love the spirit of the West that it captures.”

Goedert characterizes a rodeo as a big thing to which people bring their families and friends.

The biggest challenge for Goedert centers on a lack of Friday nights. “Friday night is always a good time,” he explained.

It does not matter to Goedert if the crowd is five people, 5,000 people, or 17,000 people.

“Those people bought a ticket to come watch a show, and you’ve got to make sure that they get all that their money is worth,” he said.

Goedert does a bit of homework to prepare for a performance. He studies day sheets that have the contestants’ names, along with the rough stock scheduled to appear.

Other information Goedert studies include how the contestants have fared, where they are in the standings, and how the stock has performed. He also visits with the specialty act to foster involvement with that.

“One of the hardest things to deal with is an injury in the arena, whether it’s one of our animal athletes or one of the contestants,” Goedert said.

He added he must make sure everything is lined up should an injury occur.

Goedert worked an estimated 30 weekends per year during his peak.

He has a young family, which has persuaded him to reduce that number.

“My goal is to have a good rodeo where I can do a great job, and the committees and everyone there is happy,” Goedert said.

He added each rodeo boasts something special, and the committees are completely dedicated.

Highlighting all contestants to the best of his ability is one of Goedert’s aims. He also wants to recognize every sponsor and makes sure spectators want to come back.

How can Goedert measure personal success? He said it occurs when stock contractors and committee members say things went well, and fans have smiles on their faces.

“It’s part of American history,” Goedert said in describing the rodeo way of life’s appeal to him.

“There’s no more iconic image throughout the entire world than the American cowboy.”

“Not very many people get to be part of a 100th rodeo, period,” Goedert said. “There are not a lot of

rodeos that are 100 years old that are still a going concern.”

Goedert said it is unbelievable to be a part of the 100th Black Hills Roundup. He regards it as an honor beyond his imagination.

Steven Goedert will keep rodeo fans apprised of the action during this year’s Black Hills Roundup.

Courtesy photo

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The Black Hills Pioneer/Weekly Prospector

Contestants announced for Junior Miss Miss Black Hills Roundup Pageant BH Roundup Four contestants are vying for the Miss Black Hills Roundup title, which is open to young women aged 18 to 26.

Sage Gabriel Sage Gabriel is the 18-year-old daughter of Jeff and Heather Gabriel.

She was raised on a ranch near Quinn.

Gabriel loves to spend her free time hanging out with family and friends, riding her horses, and taking car trips.

She has recently graduated high school from Philip High School and plans on attending northeastern Junior College in Sterling, Colo., to major in agricultural journalism.

She is also planning on joining the rodeo team.

She was the 2018 Miss South Dakota High School Rodeo Queen and just recently passed on her title.

Gabriel qualified in barrel racing, goat tying, cattle cutting, and raining cow horse at the South Dakota State High School Rodeo.

In 2018 she ended up third in the state for the cutting, advancing her to the national finals in the cutting event in the queen contest.

She ended up eighth in the world in the queen contest and placed very well in each of the categories.

Adrianne Schaunaman Where the wind blows on the rolling plains of her family farm and ranch in Aberdeen, is where you will find the friendly, and outgoing cowgirl, Adrianne Schaunaman.

She is the 20-year-old daughter of Chad and Mysty Schaunaman.

She is a recent graduate of Colby Community College in Colby, Kan. There she studied both equine science, and equine production and management as a Presidents List honor student.

When she is not in the classroom she is in the arena participating on Colby’s Intercollegiate Horse Show Association equestrian team and the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association rodeo team running barrels, or at home enjoying time with her horse Quincy and cowboy corgi Sorral.

She plans to attend the University of Minnesota-Crookston to continue studying equine sciences. She currently spends her time working at Colby Community College Farm Horse Unit as the Summer Horse Unit Manager.

Growing up she was very active spending summers showing cattle, hogs and horses in Brown County 4-H and in national breed shows.

She enjoys meeting new people, traveling, and sharing her love and passion for the western lifestyle through the promotion of rodeo and agriculture.

This marks the second year of the event.

Competition begina Monday, July 1, and ending with the coronation at 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 2.

Emma Rogers Emma Rogers graduated from Newll high School and earned an associates degree from Eastern Wyoming College in Torrington, Wyo., in rangeland ecology and watershed management.

Currently, she is furthering her studies in Rangeland Ecology and Watershed Management at the University of Wyoming in Laramie.

She is active in the Range Club and was fundraising chair during fall semester.

Rogers attended the Society of Rangeland Management National Meeting with the UW Range Club.

She has enjoyed going to school in Wyoming, but is already glad to come home to South Dakota.

Rogers loves helping on the farm, most of the time, she is raking hay to help her dad harvest irrigated alfalfa.

Her favorite hobbies are attending UW football games and rodeos, drawing and sewing.

Rogers also spends time taking care of her sheep flock and helping with the family’s beef cattle.

This summer, she plans on spending time with Lewis, Fudgy and Marky, her family’s quarter horses.

Tigh Livermont Born and raised in the Badlands of South Dakota, Tigh Ashlie Livermont, is the 20-year-old daughter of Jim and Avril Livermont of Wanblee.

She is an enrolled member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe.

Livermont is the current Miss Oglala Rodeo Queen.

She grew up on the back of a horse, helping on her families black angus cattle ranch.

During high school, she was an avid member of the rodeo team in the FFA horse judging team.

She graduated from Kodak’s Area High School in 2016 and then started her ag-business degree at Eastern Wyoming College.

Livermont transferred to Chadron State College in the fall semester of 2018 and will graduate with her bachelors degree in business administration.

Livermont plans to continue her education and obtain a masters in business administration with a minor in ag business through Chadron State College.

Then Livermont plans to obtain an associates degree in Lakota Studies through Oglala Lakota College.

Her career goal is to become a lending officer on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.

She would like to thank her sponsor, Scherbath Leather.

Two contestants are competing for the title of Junior Miss BH Roundup.

This contest is open to girls between the ages of 13 and 17.

Nautica Hagg Nautica Hagg is the 16-year-old daughter of Kent and Karin Hagg, of Rapid City..

She is a sophomore who currently attends Stevens High School and maintains a 4.0 grade point average.

She is also involved in several extracurricular activities, of which include future business leaders of America, Spanish Club, 4-H Shamrock Riders Club, and FFA. In FFA, she participates in the horse judging competition category and her and her team recently won the South Dakota FFA competition so she will be heading to the FFA National Convention in October later this year.

In her free time, she enjoys training and showing horses, as well as being a photographer.

In addition to that, she manages her own lawn care business during the summer months.

She also loves to be outside hiking or biking with her dogs and family.

She wishes all of the contestants the best of luck and she hopes that everyone has a great time at the 100th anniversary of the Black Hills Roundup.

Tobi LaRae Hintz Tobi LaRae Hintz is the 14-year-old daughter of Marty Hintz of Trail City.

She will be entering her freshman year at the Timber Lake High School where she is active in volleyball, basketball, science, 4-H Rodeo, and NBHA and High School Rodeo.

She comes from a long line of rodeo family. Her grandfather, Dennis Hintz, was a 7-time SDRA bareback champion.

Her sister Tyler is Jr. Miss Rodeo South Dakota and her mother was a former Rodeo Queen.

In her free time, she likes to spend time outside riding and training on her horses Mouse and Sunny.

Hintz also enjoys reading, watching movies and spending time with her family.

She would like to wish all the contestants the best of luck, and say a huge congratulations to the Black Hills Roundup Rodeo for 100 years of being great!!

Hintz would also like to thank the Timber Lake Rodeo Association for standing by her while she chases her dreams.

The Black Hills Pioneer/Weekly Prospector

Black Hills Roundup 2019, Page 17

Black Hills Roundup princess Six girls aged 12 and under are competing in the Black Hills Roundup Princess contest.

Profiles of each contestant follow.

Cody Rose Winkler Cody Rose Winkler is the 10-year-old daughter of Paul and Cheyenne Winkler of rural Newell.

She is homeschooled and will be entering the fifth grade this fall.

She enjoys drawing and painting and art is her favorite subject.

She has competed in AAU wrestling for two years, was a state champion in 2016 and placed third at state in 2018.

She has been involved with Leadership Training for Christ (LTC) for three years and enjoys the Bible Bowl, Live Christian Drama, Small Group Chorus and Christian Art components.

She really enjoys the annual trip to Kansas City for the big LTC convention She has participated for many years in the Newell Family Playdays, was the 2015 Newell Labor Day Rodeo Champion Mutton Buster, and in 2018 was the 1st Runner up for the Little Miss Newell Labor Day Rodeo.

She enjoys helping out on the family’s ranch with whatever needs done, and her sponsor is Winkler Ranch.

Atty Eastman Atty Eastman is the 10-year-old daughter of Kristy Eastman and Brent Olson of Spearfish.

She will be a fifth-grader at Black Hills Christian Academy this fall.

Eastman is involved in soccer, gymnastics, trick riding, and she loves to play her violin.

She is also the reigning Little Miss Newell Labor Day. She would like to thank JP Towing of Deadwood for their sponsorship. She wishes all the contestants good luck and and she hopes they have fun!

Watch for coverage of the Black Hills Roundup in the Black Hills Pioneer.

Tava Jean Sexton Tava Jean Sexton from Whitewood is the 11 years old daughter of J.R. and Tara Olson; and Scott Sexton.

She will be in the seventh grade at Sturgis Elementary this fall.

She is the president of the Horseshoe 4-H Club, this being her fifth year in 4-H, and is involved in shooting sports, all state honor choir, and plays the saxophone, piano, and guitar. She has had the honor of singing the National Anthem with her junior high choir at multiple events.

She enjoys riding her horses, showing and raising rabbits, going to horse shows, play days and rodeos.

Besides being with all the animals she loves, playing basketball, volleyball, and swimming.

Her hobbies are reading, and arts and crafts, where she keeps busy drawing, painting, and making crafts for 4-H. She has exhibited her artwork at many shows. Being raised in the country, she enjoys being outdoors, writing, and helping at brandings and ranch-work.

Her new project is working with a colt for the summer, and she has plans to show it in 4-H. bCompeting for the title of Black Hills Roundup Princess is an honor for Sexton as she can be involved in the hundred year celebration of the Black Hills Roundup and all the western history it represents.

Her sponsor is Thompson Livestock of Whitewood.

Hannah White White is 9 years old and lives in Reva, S.D., with her aunt, uncle, and little sister.

She currently participates in barrel racing, pole bending, and goat tying.

She is an active member of her local 4-H club and enjoys learning from the older members.

She also plays basketball and softball.

At home on the ranch she loves to raise bottle lambs, help check cows during calving season, and ride her horse in the Slim Buttes.

In her free time, she likes to be outside playing with her little sister and two dogs. She also enjoys camping, hiking, and swimming. Hannah will be a fourth-grader at Harding County School. Her favorite subject is science, and she is an avid reader.

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Tara Mae Hintz Tara Mae Hintz is the 8-year-old daughter of Marty Hintz and the late Tom Peterson of Trail City.

She will be entering the third grade in Timber Lake Elementary School, and is an active member of Girl Scouts, 4-H and NBHA. In her free time she likes to play with her dog Freckles, ride her horse Bella, read, play with her friends and attend barrel races.

She is especially excited to participate in the princess contest and make new friends and memories. She would like to wish all the contestants the best of luck and she hopes that everyone has fun at the Black Hills Roundup celebration this year.

She would also like to thank her sponsor the Timber Lake Rodeo Association for everything that they do for her.

Lily Dee Sexton Lily Dee Sexton is the 10-year-old daughter of JR and Tara Olson; and Scott Sexton.

She is from Whitewood, S.D., and will be in the fifth grade this fall at Whitewood Elementary School.

She has a love of horses and enjoys play days, rodeos, and chasing steers on her horses Hollywood and Beevus. She is involved in basketball, volleyball, shooting sports, and is a three-year member of the Horseshoe 4-H Club.

She raises rabbits to show at the Fair’s and sell in the fall. Lily has fun making arts and crafts for the county fair. Lily is honored to have been the 2017 Days of 76 Rodeo Princess.

Lily is glad to be involved with the hundredth celebration of the PRCA Black Hills Roundup. She wishes everyone a happy Fourth of July.

The sponsor for her in the princess pageant is Superior Livestock of Whitewood.

Page 18, Black Hills Roundup 2019

Outgoing 2018 Miss BH Roundup

The Black Hills Pioneer/Weekly Prospector

Outgoing 2018 Jr. Miss BH Roundup

Victoria Hagg

Kiara Brown

Wow, what an incredible year for Belle Fourche and the Black Hills Roundup!

Over the past 365 days, The Black Hills Roundup was inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame, won PRCA Medium Sized Rodeo of the Year, began its first Miss Black Hills Roundup Rodeo Queen contest, and will be celebrating its 100th anniversary this year.

Hagg said she is truly blessed to have the honor of representing Belle Fourche and the Black Hills Roundup as it makes history and leaves its mark on the sport of professional rodeo.

Throughout the year, Hagg traveled and represented the Black Hills Roundup all over the state of South Dakota. A few of the appearances she made include: the Days of ‘76 Rodeo, the Perkins County Rodeo in Bison, Newell Labor Day Celebration and Parade, the Miss Rodeo Aberdeen pageant, the Sioux Falls Premier Rodeo, the Brookings First Chance Bonanza PRCA Rodeo, the sendoff event for Miss

Welcome to the 100th Black Hills Roundup.

This celebration has been Brown’s family tradition for many years; she have only missed one in her entire life.

She was very proud to have been the first Jr. Miss Black Hills Roundup.

Brown is a third-generation rodeo competitor. Not only does she compete in queen contests, but she also runs barrels and poles, ties goats, and breakaway ropes.

Away from the rodeo arena, she competes in Junior Olympic Gymnastics across the U.S. Brown said his has been a great privilege to represent this rodeo at area rodeos, parades, autograph signings, fashion shows and the Chutes for Charity Bingo night. The biggest highlight was traveling to Colorado Springs, along side the Black Hills Roundup committee, to be part of our Medium ProRodeo of the Year be inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Thank you for the experience, and Happy Fourth of July.

HAGG Pg 22

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The Black Hills Pioneer/Weekly Prospector

BAREBACK RIDING

Black Hills Roundup 2019, Page 19

BARREL RACING In barrel racing a cowgirl and her horse race against the clock.

Horse and rider enters the arena at full speed and race around three barrels positioned in a clover pattern, then race back to the finish line.

The fastest time among all the competitors is the winner, and times are recorded in 1/100 of a second. Racers are penalized five seconds for each barrel knocked over during the run.

Bareback riders stay aboard their horse, using a rigging made of leather and rawhide.

The rigging, which resembles a suitcase handle on a strap, is placed atop the horse’s withers and secured with a cinch.

STEER WRESTLING

High Score WINS – 0-100 pts. total (2) Judges each score the following: Horse – 0-50 pts.

Cowboy – 0-50 pts.

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Upon leaving the bucking chute, bareback riders must keep their spurs at the point of the horse’s shoulders until the horses feet hit the ground.

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The steer wrestler, or bulldogger, starts on horseback in a box.

The steer gets a head start, determined by the size of the arena.

Page 20, Black Hills Roundup 2019

The Black Hills Pioneer/Weekly Prospector

Dana Bowman returning to Black Hills Roundup Dana Bowman will once again parachute into the Black Hills Roundup Grounds arena during the 100th Black Hills Roundup in Belle Fourche.

He is a retired sergeant first class with the U.S. Army where he was a Special Forces Soldier and a member of the U.S. Army’s elite parachute team, the Golden Knights.

Dana Bowman is a double amputee.

He lost his legs in an accident during the annual Golden Knights training in Yuma, Arizona, in 1994.

On February 6,1994, Bowman gained worldwide attention when he and his teammate Sgt. Jose Aguillon collided in midair during training.

Bowman and Aguillon were practicing a maneuver known as the Diamond Track.

The maneuver calls for the jumpers to streak away from each other for about a mile and then turn 180 degrees and fly back toward each other crisscrossing in the sky. Bowman and Aguillon had demonstrated the Diamond Track more than 50 times without a mistake, but this time was different.

Rather than crisscrossing, the two skydivers slammed into each other at a combined speed of 300 miles per hour.

Aguillon died instantly. Bowman’s legs were severed from his body, one above the knee and one below the knee. Bowman’s parachute opened on impact with Aguillon.

He was taken to a hospital in Phoenix where doctors closed his leg wounds and stopped his internal bleeding.

Nine months later, he turned this tragedy into a triumph when he became the first double amputee to re-enlist in the United States Army.

Dana Bowman is pictured parachuting into the 2018 Black Hills Roundup Grounds. Pioneer file photo

TEAM ROPING The heeler, must rope the steer’s hind feet to stop the clock. If he catches only one foot, a fivesecond penalty is awarded. If he misses, the team is disqualified.

The steer gets a head start. If the header leaves the roping chute before giving the steer the determined head start, the team receives a 10-second penalty.

The header, must rope the steer around the horns or full head of the animal. He then turns left, straightening out the steer for his partner to rope.

The Black Hills Pioneer/Weekly Prospector

Black Hills Roundup 2019, Page 21

New grandstands sure to shine for 100th Black Hills Roundup

By Lacey Peterson Black Hills Pioneer

BELLE FOURCHE –– Final preparations are underway for the 100th Black Hills Roundup, including the completion of the construction work on the new grandstands at the Roundup Grounds Sports Complex in Belle Fourche.

“I’m ecstatic; I can’t wait to see them done,” said James Ager, the city council representative on the Roundup committee. “It’s going to be fantastic for our Independence Day and 100th (Roundup).”

Barring some seating work still left to be done, the construction is completed, Ager said.

In 2017, safety concerns prompted discussions related to the nearly 100-year-old grandstands at the.

In September 2017, the Belle Fourche City Council approved the preliminary design for the $1.37 million project at the city-owned complex.

The wooden structure’s oldest sections were noticeably rotted, misshapen, and warped.

Following last year’s Roundup, city crews demolished the 300-foot-long and 30-foot-tall structure to make way for the new seating.

Although the design includes roughly the same amount of seats, the 18row structure is a level taller and will mirror the design of the steel grandstands on the western side of the structure, which were replaced within the last decade, costing the city around $680,000.

Ager is also excited for the addition

of a new VIP area with VIP boxes, and he thinks this aspect will set the rodeo grounds apart from other local rodeo events.

“I think it’s exciting for Belle Fourche,” Ager said. “That thing (the complex) is busy from basically Memorial Day to the end of October.”

“There are so many positive things that happen all year round but particularly in the summer here,” he said.

“The Roundup is our premier marque event.”

The Roundup committee also just finished building a new museum/ merchandise building right inside the event gates where visitors will be able to purchase merchandise.

“It’s going to be kind of an old general store look to it … made out of rough cut lumber and a lot of the inside of it will be boards that we saved off the old grandstands,” he said. “So there will be a lot of history in it, too.”

Memorabilia celebrating the event’s centennial anniversary will be sold in the museum and on the rodeo’s website, Blackhillsroundup.com.

The new grandstands have made room for 14 new vendor spaces than in years’ past.

“It’s always been just a little bit crowded back there for vendors so this year we’re kind of excited to have 14 new spots under there,” Crago said.

“It’ll be kind of neat just to get more stuff for people to do (while they enjoy the rodeo events).”

For more information about the rodeo event, visit Blackhillsroundup. com.

The Black Hills Roundup has new grandstands now after the city demolished the previous wooden and rotting grandstands after the 2018 Roundup. Pioneer file photos

Page 22, Black Hills Roundup 2019

The Black Hills Pioneer/Weekly Prospector

Halstead to return

Dennis Halstead will return to the Black Hills Roundup as the bull fighter and rodeo entertainer, as was the case last year.

Pioneer file photos

from Pg 18

HAGG Rodeo South Dakota 2018 Kay Marrs, the Black Hills Stock Show and Rodeo Rapid City, the Herreid Bronc Match, the Casey Tibbs Bronc Match, and Miss Rodeo South Dakota 2019 Jordan Tierney’s Coronation.

Hagg also packed up the beautiful Black Hills Roundup crown and chaps and traveled west for the PRCA Hall of Fame Induction ceremony in Colorado Springs, Colo. with the Black Hills Roundup committee, Jr. Miss Black Hills Roundup Kiara Brown, and Sherry Smeenk, the rodeo queen coordinator.

While in Colorado, Hagg visited with Miss Rodeo America and state queens from all over our nation.

She was also fortunate enough to

attend the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas to represent the Black Hills Roundup and support our incredible and hardworking committee as they were recognized for the success of our rodeo.

Hagg would like to thank all of the incredible sponsors and committee members that make the Black Hills Roundup and the rodeo queen pageant possible.

“It has been Hagg absolute pleasure to work alongside these hardworking and outstanding businesses and people that bring the patriotic, western spirit to life through the sport of rodeo every fourth of July for the past 100 years,” said Hagg. “My year as your Miss Black Hills Roundup has held the most exciting and memorable experiences as well as the great honor of representing the community of Belle Fourche and the Black Hills Roundup Rodeo and celebration.”

The Black Hills Pioneer/Weekly Prospector

Black Hills Roundup 2019, Page 23

TIE-DOWN ROPING A cowboy’s success in tie-down roping depends on the precise teamwork with his horse.

BULL RIDING

When the roper finishes tying the calf, he throws his hands in the air as a signal that the run is completed.

The roper then remounts his horse, rides forward to create slack in the rope and waits six seconds to see if the calf remains tied.

After bull riders secure a good grip on the braided rope, he nods to signal he is ready. The bucking chute is opened and the bull storms out into the arena.

The calf receives a head start that is determined by the length of the arena.

When the calf reaches its advantage point, the barrier is released. If the roper breaks the barrier before the calf reaches its head start, the cowboy is assessed a 10-second penalty.

Bull riders use spurs to help hold on to the bucking bull.

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Page 24, Black Hills Roundup 2019

The Black Hills Pioneer/Weekly Prospector

Special Rodeo gives glimpse into rural lifestyle A Special Rodeo on the final day of the South Dakota High School Rodeo Finals gave specialneeds individuals the opportunity to sample the rodeo way of life.

Approximately 80 individuals took advantage of the chance to ride a horse, learn and practice the finer points of roping on a plastic model, and have their photos taken with rodeo queens. Live animals such as small horses, dogs, and a large bull were availabe to be petted.

Contestants at the state finals helped the participants. Suncatcher Therapeutic Riding Academy provided horses to ride.

Pioneer photos by Jason Gross