Days of ’76 to host its 100th rodeo in Deadwood

This summer, Deadwood will host its 100th Days of ’76 Rodeo along with a week-long event highlighting the rich history of the Black Hills.

Chris Roberts, chairman of the Board of Days of ’76 Rodeo, continues his family’s legacy of participation in the Days of ’76 celebration.

“I’ve been involved about 20 years now on the Board of Directors, helping out for a lot a lot more years than that,” said Roberts. “My great granddad actually was part of the very first Days of ’76, 100 years ago. My grandfather was also a board member, my dad is currently on the board and has served as president chairman of the board as well in years past.”

The Days of ’76 celebration will begin on July 24 with an all-day steer roping event, followed by barrel racing slack on Monday which will feature hundreds of competitors from all over the West. More slack competitions will take place the mornings of Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, and the official rodeo performances are scheduled for 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. A matinee performance is scheduled for Saturday afternoon at 1:30.

“Friday afternoon at 1:30 as well as Saturday morning at 10:00, two historic mile-long parades will start right here at the Rodeo Grounds, head up Main Street of Deadwood and wrap back around here to the Rodeo Grounds,” said Roberts.
“90% or so of the parade will be horse-drawn carriages, buggies, wagons and cowboys and cowgirls on horseback.”

According to Roberts, very few gas-powered vehicles are involved in the parade, which instead aims to highlight the 40 wagons owned by the Days of ’76 Museum.

“It’s a great collection that only comes out once a year, and it is for this this parade, and so folks can see those in action both Friday and Saturday,” said Roberts.

Shuttles will be available for visitors who need transportation from Deadwood’s public parking lots to the Rodeo Grounds.

Outlaw Square will also host historical performances throughout the week. For a complete performance schedule, visit the Outlaw Square website here.

For more information about Days of ’76’s week-long celebration, visit their website here.