Crazy Horse Memorial 26th Annual Stampede Rodeo and Gift From Mother Earth Art Show
Crazy Horse, SD – June 17-19, 2016
It’s not often you have the chance to bring your family to a Great Plains Indian Rodeo Association (GPIRA), Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) and Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA) sanctioned rodeos with a view of the World’s Largest Mountain Carving in progress. In fact, to the best of our knowledge, the opportunity only presents itself once a year at the Crazy Horse Memorial Stampede Rodeo.
The Stampede Rodeo is one of the few rodeos in the nation to offer events sponsored by the three prestigious organizations- PRCA, WPRA, and GPIRA. Even if you have not seen a bull buck, the animated rodeo clowns, energized announcer and talented contestants will sweep you up in the excitement of the thrilling Crazy Horse Stampede arena action.
The rodeo helps Crazy Horse Memorial further its goals of cultural understanding and reconciliation among all peoples. The late Anne Ziolkowski Christensen (1955-2011), daughter of sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski(1908-1982) and Ruth Ziolkowski (1926-2014), directed the rodeo for more than 20 years. Anne underscored the importance of the rodeo beyond being a sports competition, saying, “If we can play together, we can work together.” This ideology is carried on today by the Crazy Horse Stampede Rodeo Committee.
The Stampede is produced by Korkow Rodeos, a national award-winning outfit based in South Dakota. Opening the three-day event is the GPIRA rodeo on Friday at 9 a.m., June 17 with Junior/Senior Pro and Slack events, followed by the main performance at 2 p.m. The PRCA / WPRA sanctioned rodeos are on Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. PRCA/WRPA Slack events are held on Saturday after the 2 p.m. performance. The first Annual Stampede cowboy church will take place at 10 a.m. on Sunday. This year’s rodeo is also once again designated Tough Enough to wear Pink.
Daily rodeo admission is:
• $17 for adults (ages 12 and up)
• $6 for children (age 7-11)
• FREE for children 6 years of age and under
Taking place the same weekend as the rodeo, be sure to explore the Gift from Mother Earth Art Show at Crazy Horse Memorial visitor complex, which celebrates Native American culture and heritage through arts and crafts. Special admission rates apply for visitors to the Memorial all three days of the celebration weekend. Exhibitors display and sell beautiful pieces of custom-made clothing, jewelry, sculpture work, pottery and much more. Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation grants awards to artists in several art categories at the end of the three-day event.
Additionally, don’t miss the INDIAN MUSEUM OF NORTH AMERICA® and the NATIVE AMERICAN EDUCATIONAL & CULTURAL CENTER® where thousands of American Indian contemporary art and artifacts are displayed. The American Bison Exhibit located in the lower level of the Cultural Center. This dynamic display details the story of the bison in North America, from its prehistoric beginnings to its near extinction and the exploits of western figures who helped save the remaining bison at the end of the 1800s. You will also learn the cultural significance of the buffalo to tribes across the country.
Finally, stop in the Mountain Carving Room and experience an up-close view of how the World’s Largest Mountain Carving in Progress is being carved and learn about the history of Crazy Horse Memorial and the future progress by viewing the Dynamite and Dreams video in the visitor complex theatre.
Mark your calendar and join us June 17-19, for the best bulls, broncs and art show in South Dakota!