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Partners In Celebrating 25 Years ....
BHSS Foundation Is History In the Making
Rapid City, SD -- When the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center opened its
doors for the first time 25 years ago, no one envisioned it would be dirt,
straw, cattle and cowboys that would be at the heart of its biggest annual
attraction.
 "It's a tribute to the lasting heritage of what built this region and
the foresight that continues to provide a setting to showcase production
agriculture in a variety of competitive and entertaining ways, for all ages and
interests," says Joe Norman, president of Black Hills Stock Show
Foundation, Inc.
The year 2002 marks the 25th anniversary of the facility and also the Silver
Anniversary performance of Civic Center arena rodeo action produced by Sutton
Rodeos, Onida, SD - all being brought to the public during the 44th annual Black
Hills Stock Show & Rodeo, January 25 - February 3.
The Foundation's mission of "Preserving The Legacy. Investing In The
Future," ties in perfectly with the milestones being celebrated this year.
Along with popular events the Foundation hosts annually, such as the Cowboy's
Collectibles Auction, there are a host of additional events being planned, many
of them in the Civic Center Theater.
"We'll open the week by partnering with the Sutton Rodeos and the
Rushmore Plaza Civic Center in presenting the annual Press Party," says
Foundation Community Relations Director Diane Norman. Held in the "cowboy's
playground," (the arena) the event will set the stage for kicking off 25
years of rodeo. "There are stock shows and there are rodeos," observes
Norman. "And when you put the two together, which occurred here in 1978,
you have what you see today - an event that attracts an estimated 250,000 people
from around the country."
It's the perfect backdrop for the Foundation's work of promoting increased
awareness of the changing needs of agriculture through its grant programs and
raising monies for scholarships awarded to young adults from the Upper Great
Plains region.
"It's also the perfect setting for a very special presentation this
year," notes Joe Norman. Commissioned through the Foundation with Benton
Moore Saddlery, Grosebeck, Texas, the gift of The Saddle of Independence will be
on display during Stock Show week. "Symbolic of the endurance and sacrifice
that played such a role in carving out a new country, this saddle is given to
President George W. Bush and the American people. It carries with it our
commitment to the President's call for "Unity. Resolve. Freedom ... The
Hallmarks of the American Spirit ...."
From style shows to the Stockman's Club, from educational seminars to
rewarding education and industry/community service during the Stockman's Banquet
& Ball, the Black Hills Stock Show Foundation celebrates the .... spirit of
the American West.
For more information, call 605-718-0810 or email: foundation@blackhillsstockshowfoundation.com.
Schedules and news on Foundation programs and events during the 2002 Black Hills
Stock Show & Rodeo are available on the web at www.blackhillsstockshowfoundation.com
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