Belle Fourche holds first Sweet Corn Festival

BELLE FOURCHE, S.D. — Belle Fourche is home to the Black Hills Roundup, but is known for more than just rodeo.

The city celebrated what they hope to be the first of many celebrations honoring sweet corn!

Wanting to get the most out of the summer, and show locals a good time, the city of Belle Fourche held it’s first ever sweet corn festival. The day was filled with game s, taste testing, corn eating competitions, and steer roping for kids. 

It was also a great opportunity for visitors to shop with local stores, while escaping the heat. This was all done in an effort to boost events within the city, and support local businesses.

“The number one goal is to really create an event that people will enjoy in Belle Fourche,” said Paul Johnson, the co-owner of Designs by Daphne Gallery and president of the Downtown Business District. “That’s something unique to this area, and to the Black Hills, and western South Dakota in general. Beyond that, it’s obviously a goal of ours to help local businesses.”

Residents were glad to have an excuse to get out and enjoy the sun, and the many events held during the 2-day event. The first night saw a moderate turnout, but there are hopes of the event becoming a large town affair in the years to come.

“I think it’s, once it catches on, this is our first one, so it’s a little busier today than it was last night,” said Cynthia Rankin, the vice president for the Belle Silver Lining Senior Center. “And I just think it’s a really good thing to get the community together and out, it’s a little warm.”

The event is the first of a new series of events the city wants to hold. 

“The city decided to increase the number of events that they participated in, and rodeo is obviously our big one here in Belle Fourche, but the idea is to create two or three more during the course of the year,” said Johnson.

There is currently a committee working on future events, and while those have not been decided. The city wants to send the message that they are open for business as well as some fun.