It’s that time of year yet again – time to dig out our cowboy hats, wranglers and boots. Yes, the 2012 Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo is upon us! Visitors from across the Midwest will congregate at our facility to enjoy the entertainment, livestock, and food! For nine days straight, individuals of all types will find something to see and do at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center. To make life easy, we’ve broken down everyone’s favorite events happening right here…

Coors Light Cowboy Bar

In the mood for music, merriment, and ice cold beverages? The Coors Light Cowboy Bar is a crowd pleaser year after year, and 2012 promises to be no different. Opening at 10am each day, the Coors Light Cowboy Bar will feature a great lineup of entertainment. Catch the band Midnight Sun on Friday, January 27 and Saturday, January 28 from 3pm – 7pm, and on Tuesday, January 31^st from 3pm – 7pm. Next up is Crash Wagon, playing February 2^nd – 4^th, 4pm – 8pm each day.

Rodeo Zone

Also opening at 10am every day is the Rodeo Zone, offering events that will entertain the entire family. Chili lovers will appreciate the Chili Cook Off on Sunday, January 29^th beginning at noon. Previously held in the Barnett Arena, this year’s cook off will put chili chef’s skills to the test! Looking for some quality activities for the kids? No problem! The Rodeo Zone will also feature Kid’s Dummy Roping February 3^rd & 4^th at 5pm, with kids grouped ages 6 and under, 7 to 10, and 11 to 13. Autograph sessions will also take place at 4:30pm each day, (except Sunday and Wednesday) with clowns, contestants, and queens present to sign away! And don’t forget about the free drawings held at 6pm each day.

Arts

Artistic types will enjoy the Western Art Show viewing in the Theatre Lobby, and hunters of collector items won’t want to miss the BHSS Foundation Old West Collector’s Auction held on the Theatre stage.  Preview is Friday, 12pm – 8pm, with the auction taking place at 10am on Saturday.

Rushmore Hall & Barnett Arena

And don’t forget about Rushmore Hall, which will be bustling with the World’s Smallest Rodeo, January 28^th at 10am, featuring kids competing in adorable events – you’ll want to have your camera ready! Also taking place in Rushmore Hall on Sunday, January 29^th are sheep shearing demos at 10am and the national sheep shearing championship at 12pm. Winners will go on to compete in the world championship, held in Ireland! Rushmore Hall will also be holding all of the stock showing events, and don’t forget about the petting zoo. The Barnett Arena will showcase cowboys from across the country, competing in rodeo events of every type, from Xtreme Bulls to Ranch Rodeos…some of the most exciting displays of talent and tenacity you’ll see all year!

Each year the Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo feature events that the whole family will enjoy. When wintertime boredom sets in, it’s the perfect cure for all of your entertainment cravings! So grab your cowboy hat and a friend or two, and get ready to kick up your heels…2012 Stock Show & Rodeo is here!