Dept. of Game, Fish and Parks
For Immediate Release: Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2002
For more information:  Custer State Park, (605) 255-4515

ATTEND THE CUSTER STATE PARK BUFFALO ROUNDUP AND ARTS FESTIVAL

CUSTER – Custer State Park officials are reminding people that the park will host its 37th Annual Buffalo Roundup and 9th Annual Arts Festival Sept. 28 through Sept. 30.

The Buffalo Roundup begins early Monday morning, Sept. 30. Spectators must arrive between 6:30 and 7:30 a.m. and, for safety reasons, are asked to remain in the viewing area until all the buffalo are corralled, around Noon. "Buffalo are dangerous and unpredictable animals, treat them with respect and do not approach them," said Craig Pugsley, Visitor Services Coordinator of Custer State Park.

After the roundup, the public is invited to ride the free shuttles into the corrals and watch park staff brand, vaccinate and separate the herd. There will be a chuckwagon buffalo cookout served in the corral area during this time. The meal costs $6 per person and includes a buffalo barbecue sandwich, cowboy beans, chips and soft drink. Jasmine Pickner and Mallorie Haley will provide entertainment from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 30.

The arts festival is located near the State Game Lodge and runs from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sat. and Sun., Sept. 28 -29. "This year's festival will feature plenty of entertainment and activities," said Pugsley. The festival will kickoff both Sat. and Sun. with a pancake feed at 8 a.m. and will be followed with entertainment from dancers, cowboy poets, western and Native American performers. 

Dakota Jamboree will perform on Saturday, and D.D. and the Fayrohs on Sunday and the Care Country Cloggers and 7th Calvary Drum and Bugle Corp will perform both days. Festival activities include a quick draw competition; cowboy mounted shooters, a Reptile Gardens program, Birds of Prey program and living history demonstrations.

"Come and spend a day or the weekend," said Pugsley. "We have more than 70 arts and crafts exhibitors, as well as western and Native American artwork and food vendors."

The 13th Annual Buffalo Wallow Chili Cookoff, sponsored by the Custer Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitor Bureau, will be on Sunday, Sept 29. As many as 50 chili chefs compete for cash prizes and trophies. To enter the contest, contact the Custer Chamber of Commerce at 1-800-992-9818.

To learn more about the roundup and arts festival or to request a brochure, contact Custer State Park, HC 83, Box 70, Custer, S.D. 57730, (605) 255-4515 or e-mail CusterStatePark@state.sd.us.

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