The 2021 Black Hills Stock Show and Rodeo kicks off Friday and runs through February 6th with things a little bit different because of COVID-19.
Masks and socially distancing are recommended, but attendance could be up with more top line rodeo performers, too.
Rushmore Plaza Civic Center executive director Craig Baltzer says there are fewer stock shows happening around the nation because of the pandemic, resulting in an increase in people heading to Rapid City.
Julie Schmitz Jensen, President and CEO of Visit Rapid City, agrees. She says there’s a lot of pent-up energy and a good chance people from other states where Stock Shows are canceled will make a trip to the Black Hills to take in the excitement.
Craig Baltzer says that’s good because the Stock Show and Rodeo Rapid City always have a big economic impact on Rapid City and the Black Hills Region, estimated at $22-million dollars last year
This is the 44th year for the rodeo, which was the 2020 PRCA Large Rodeo of the Year. It also won in 2002 and 2003.
There are 866 contestants this year for a schedule that kicks off with the PRCA Xtreme Bulls Tour Friday and the Xtreme Broncs Match on Saturday.
The four PRCA rodeo performances will be held February 4-6 with slack next Mon-Thurs at 10:00 AM.