Days of '76

The Deadwood Days of ’76 Rodeo has a special slogan, “Best Rodeo. No Bull,” and this is exactly what I experienced at every rodeo performance. It was such an honor to attend another award winning rodeo in South Dakota. The Days of '76 Rodeo has been named the PRCA Small Outdoor Rodeo of the Year four times and has been named PRCA Midsize Rodeo of the Year every year since 2004! The Deadwood community and the Days of ’76 rodeo committee truly put on a spectacular rodeo that includes authentic old west re-enactments and the top PRCA cowboys and cowgirls.

During the first rodeo performance McKenzie Haley, Miss Rodeo South Dakota Lady-In-Waiting and I helped with the kid’s roping and carried sponsor flags. I had the opportunity to participate in a special ceremony honoring Jaycie West and the Western Wishes program. Western Wishes is a program that grants wishes to children that are  faced with adversity and who love the western way of life. In a freak accident while riding with her barrel racer mom, Amber, Jaycie fell off and was kicked in the head by her horse. Jaycie, a miracle child, survived a five-hour brain surgery to remove large bone fragments from her brain and was temporarily paralyzed on one side. But in less than three months, Jaycie stunned them all and was back in the saddle again! Jaycie is truly an amazing spirit and cowgirl and I was so grateful to meet such a brave little girl.

During my time in Deadwood, I was able to relive the western history of the area by posing in an old-time photo at Woody’s Old Time Photos who sponsored a photo for myself and McKenzie. We also participated in the historic Deadwood main street parades. The PRCA Clown Reunion was also in town during the Days of ’76 and it was truly a sight to see, over 40 rodeo clowns from all over the United States joined together to re-live their rodeo clown days. I owe a very special thanks to Ron Burns and the Days of ’76 Rodeo Committee, Glenn our horse helper, and the First Gold Hotel for providing our hotel accommodations. 

McKenzie and me during the first performance of the Days of '76 Rodeo.

Carrying the Western Wishes flag followed by the very courageous Jaycie West.

Rodeo Queens, 1876 style! 

(Photo courtesy of Woody's Old Time Photos)

McKenzie and me before the historic Deadwood parade.

Trying to "fit in" with the clowns during the PRCA Rodeo Clown Reunion.

McKenzie and me pictured with the legendary rodeo clown Jim Hill and his son.