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Two Main Events, One Common Goal....
BHSS Foundation, Days of ‘76 & The Spirits of Deadwood
Rapid City, SD -- For years, they’ve worked
steadfastly, each in their own ‘arenas’. The Days of ‘76 needs no
explanation. Nor does the Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo. One held in the
summer days of July, the other in the winter months of January and February,
both setting a standard. And both named the Top PRCA Rodeo in their category,
standing up to stiff competition across the country.
"Two events of this caliber here in the Black Hills is a real gem,"
says Black Hills Stock Show Foundation President Joe Norman. "When the
opportunity arose to work with the Days of ‘76 in developing the
Foundation’s annual commemorative print series, "The Great American
Cowboy", we figured that part of the legendary Deadwood luck of the draw
had come our way," he laughs.
When approached by the Foundation with the idea to work collaboratively on a
project, committee members of the historic Deadwood celebration were immediately
receptive. "The Days of ’76 Committee is proud and honored to have our
historic event as the theme for the BHSS Foundation’s annual commemorative
print," says Pat Roberts, long-time committee member. "It would
be enough to have our event and its leaders immortalized on canvas but even more
significant is that the funds raised from the sale of this print will go to such
a worthy cause."
He’s talking about fundraising auctions held Stock
Show week that are an important part of the Foundation’s means through which
to support its scholarship programs. Each year among the featured items, is the
Foundation’s limited edition offering, this year titled "Days of
‘76: Spirits of Deadwood". The original 33" x
17 1/4" painting along with issue number one of only 25 reproductions made
will be sold at the BHSSF Stockman’s Auction held during the social event of
Stock Show week, the Stockman’s Banquet & Ball, Wed., February
4. Held at the Ramkota Convention Center, the preview opens at 5:00 p.m with the
sale getting underway at 6:30 p.m. The piece represents an original work of art
by well known cowboy artist, Mick Harrison, Belle Fourche.
"There are a number of tie-in’s with partnering with the Days of
‘76," observes Norman. Two other featured auction items involve the
work of Tony Chytka who along with Harrison created a tribute to T.C. Holloway
for the Days of ‘76 in 2002, one in bronze, titled "Ride High T.C.,
Ride High" and the other in the form of the Days of ‘76 commemorative
poster. The images mirror one another. The larger bronze is on display at the
Days of ‘76 Museum in Deadwood where every year, the winner of the saddle
bronc is added to the base, where Holloway’s name is engraved as the 2000
champion.
"Interestingly, the Foundation too recognized T.C., a young and well known
saddle bronc rider from Eagle Butte, SD, in its "Great American
Cowboy" Series in 2002, along with Kyle Evans, well known
singer/songwriter from Wessington, SD, both of whose careers were cut short with
their deaths. "To have these two pieces, along with this year’s featured
work honoring early days organizers and personalities of the Days of ‘76, is
significant."
Included in Foundation events will be the Days of ‘76 Mixer, Saturday, Jan. 31
in the Stockman’s Club, sponsored in part by Fisher Beverage Co., Rapid City
and First Western Bank of Deadwood. "It’s among the ways we can say
thank you to the committee. Of those early-day supporters who appear in the
original painting, all but two are deceased but we hope family and friends
will join us as we tip our hats to a special group of people who include Eddie
Rypkema, Russ Madison, Lew Keehn, Ezra Bachand, Bud Bowen, Rosie Ridley, Pat
Roberts, Chief David Bald Eagle and Bat Ridley."
In another turn of events, recipients of the Tom Didier Pioneer Award
presented during the annual Old-Timer’s Cowboy Breakfast at the historic Alex
Johnson Hotel have included both Rosie Ridley and David Bald Eagle. "We are
thrilled to share with everyone an image of the mighty oxen team in our annual
parade, the historic Days of ’76 arena and the people who made the event what
it is today," says Pat Roberts with the Days of ‘76 committee.
"Partnering with the Black Hills Stock Show Foundation, this original work
of art is a shining example of what we can accomplish by working together
for a common goal."
Sharing the history, the cowboy, the can-do spirit that embodies the carving of
a legacy are among the things the Foundation seeks to do," explains Norman.
"Here we have two events, both so rich in cowboy and rodeo history and
tradition that it’s a wonder we haven’t gotten our heads together before.
But I’m glad we are now."
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