Popular rodeo in Belle Fourche began with humble beginnings

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) - It's an event more than a century old.

The Annual Black Hills Roundup is held every year in Belle Fourche, attracting people from all over the country and from around the globe.

The popular 4th of July rodeo started with humble beginnings.

In the early 20th century, there was no arena in Belle Fourche to hold a bucking bronco event, leading to the creation of the Tri State Rodeo in 1918. The rodeo was later renamed the Black Hills Roundup.

For its banner year in 1918, the rodeo was held as a benefit for the Red Cross to support U.S. armed forces during World War I.

The event drew 15,000 spectators when the town's population was less than 1,500 people.

The rodeo raised approximately $20,000 for the war effort that year.

The Roundup would reinvent itself by adding new events throughout the 20th century into the 21st.

A former chairperson for the Roundup is proud of how the rodeo has evolved through the years.

"I'm very dedicated and committed to the Black Hills Roundup and I'm a true believer in this event and what it's grown into," said Former Chairperson for the Black Hills Roundup Karen Wagner.

The Black Hills Roundup will conclude on the 4th of July with its Grand Parade at 10:30 a.m. and final rodeo performance at 3 p.m.