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Black Hills Stock Show Foundation’s
Cowboy Fashion Parade
“Reflections of the West…..”
BHSS Foundation Sets Stage For Annual Parade of Cowboy Finery
Rapid City, SD – For over 125 years, the Cowboy has been recognized
around the world by his clothing and accessories. Traditional cowboy
attire was dictated by function – brimmed hats to keep the scorching sun
at bay, boots with stacked heels for a snug fit into stirrups, and a
bandanna to shield the nose and mouth from blowing dust.
Traditions, however, are subject to change.
The Black Hills Stock Show Foundation’s annual Western Style Show, set
for Saturday, January 29 in the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Theater offers
the newest in cowboy fashions along with a mix of traditional wear,
country classic looks, evening attire and the functional work styles still
important if ‘home, home, on the range’ is where you call home.
With the theme “Reflections of the West ~ A Parade of Cowboy
Finery,” the show gets underway at 4:00 p.m., when the staged
production introduces its line-up, mixing entertainment with style. “This
is an increasingly popular event with people attending stock show,” says
Foundation Community Relations Director, Diane Norman. “It’s a fun break
from the usual stock show fare, with appeal for all ages. It’s also an
important function since proceeds go towards the Foundation’s scholarship
awards to students in a five state region, expected to reach $18,000 this
year.”
The program, that includes staged entertainment and set designs,
engaging emceeing by KNBN television personality Bobby Marchesso, and
lucky winners of $50 gift certificates sponsored by participating stores,
doesn’t stop at the runway.
Audiences join models and entertainers on stage following the style
show segment, for a wine (punch for the kids!) and cheese social, where
they can also browse and shop through ‘Retail Row’, that offers the styles
and accessories seen on stage, along with others, for purchase.
“This show is a lot of fun,” says KNBN morning show host Bobby
Marchesso, who has been with the event since it began. “The audience is
engaging, there’s a nice mix to the show content and Foundation organizers
work hard to make it a successful representation of what they’re all about
- which is raising funds to help students begin their college and/or
technical studies.”
Audiences are in for a special musical treat when The Suzuki School
Kids perform with a full ensemble of string instruments along with piano
accompaniment. “These young musicians are outstanding,” says Vikki Kirkeby
who is assisting in this area of the show. “Many musicians who have or
currently play with the Black Hills Symphony got their start in the Suzuki
program.”
Admission is $3 (kids 10 and under are free) and tickets are available
at the door or through participating stores that include RCC Western
Stores, Micki Paris, VanBachs, Journey Museum, Audra’s Bridal Gallery,
Jeans Alley and Work Warehouse, all in Rapid City and Aladdin Store,
Aladdin, Wyo., and Jewels of the West, Hill City.
For more information, contact the Foundation office at 605-718-0810,
email
Foundation@BHSSF.com or go online at BHSSF.com for updates.
Fashion Coordinator Wears A lot Of Hats
Take 200 articles of clothing and accessories; mix and match with just
the right 30+ models; create the descriptions, choreograph the music,
schedule stage entrance and exits, take into account set designs,
lighting, entertainment, emceeing, and what do you have?
A really great style show and not just any style show. The Black Hills
Stock Show Foundation’s annual Western Style Show event is an important
fundraiser for scholarships given every year. “Along with the nuts and
bolts of producing the show, (like first establishing costs and related
union issues for use of the civic center theater) it’s the attention to
detail that makes much of the event so time intensive,” explains
Foundation Community Relations Director, Diane Norman. “Without the talent
and work from a lot of folks, it just wouldn’t happen.”
Add the well known talents of fashion coordinator Sally Samuelson,
Rapid City, SD, and there are all the makings for fine tuning a style show
that moves quickly and entertains completely. “Which is really what it’s
all about,” she says, “entertainment. For participating stores, retailing
is a serious business. Creating the environment through which to enhance
that business, while providing a value in audience entertainment, is an
important part of any successful show.”
Along with producing successful shows for the American Cancer Society,
Black Hills Harley-Davidson and Rushmore Mall, Samuelson coordinates the
state’s largest bridal show. Held annually in Rapid City, over 1,000
people attend the Bridal Showcase.
A graduate of the Barbizon School of Modeling, Denver, Colo.,
Samuelson’s experience in retail buying, merchandise display, marketing,
wardrobe consultation and seminar presentations is a good fit for the
Foundation’s up and coming Western Style Show held during Stock Show Week.
The Mobridge, SD native is a former state Snow Queen, Miss Denver Sport &
Travel and rodeo queen contestant who lends a helping hand in a number of
ways to youth groups and civic organizations.
“It’s exciting to be a part of the Foundation’s work in growing
scholarship programs by offering top-notch productions like this one,”
says Samuelson. “Audiences can expect to see a lot of variety, color and
content in this show.
“And,” she adds, “if you’re shopping for just the right outfit for the
Stockman’s Banquet & Ball, you might want to wait and see some of the
beaded fashions to be featured in the style show – we may have just what
you’re looking for.
“Models turned out in the latest fashions, fun stage sets, music,
hosting and entertainment will all add up to a stylish event…for a worthy
cause.”
For information on participating in next year's
show, please call Diane at 605-718-0810 or
email our office for a
retailers' information packet.
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