GFP News - September 25, 2012
- Annual Buffalo Roundup Day Changed For 2013
- Buffalo Roundup Matches Records, Arts Festival Attendance Up
- Celebrate Fall at Newton Hills State Park's 13th Annual Celebration
Annual Buffalo Roundup Day Changed For 2013
PIERRE, S.D. - Custer State Park's 2013 Buffalo Roundup will be held on Friday, September 27.
Existing publications advertise the annual event as being held "the last Monday in September." That will not be the case next year.
"We've decided to hold the roundup on a Friday next year. While attendance has been very good, we'd like to see even more people come," said Joe Kafka, press secretary to Gov. Dennis Daugaard.
"We're always trying to make more of a splash with the Roundup, and we hope this will help us build on past successes," Kafka said.
Changing the day of the Buffalo Roundup to Friday also could prove popular from a convenience standpoint, he said.
"With the Roundup on a Friday, most people would not have to go back to work the next day," Kafka said.
In the past, many of those attending the Buffalo Roundup on Mondays either had to go back to work on Tuesday or took an extra day off.
For more information, contact Joe Kafka at 605-773-3212.
-GFP-
Buffalo Roundup Matches Records, Arts Festival Attendance Up
CUSTER STATE PARK, S.D. - More than 14,000 people attended the 47th annual Buffalo Roundup on Monday at Custer State Park.
Attendance at the 2012 Roundup matched records crowds from the previous four years.
"This has grown to be a great event, and we're happy we can share a little bit of the Old West with those who are here for a once-in-a-lifetime experience," said Craig Pugsley, visitor services coordinator at Custer State Park.
The annual Roundup Arts Festival held over the weekend saw an increase in attendance this year compared to 2011. "We had a 9 percent increase on Saturday, and a 25 percent increase in visitors on Sunday," Pugsley said.
The annual Roundup serves as a tool to help manage the park's buffalo herd. About 200 buffalo will be sold at the park's annual auction on Saturday, Nov. 17.
For additional information on the auction, contact the park at 605-255-4515 or email CusterStatePark@state.sd.us
The 2013 Buffalo Roundup will be held on Friday, Sept. 27.
-GFP-
Celebrate Fall at Newton Hills State Park's 13th Annual Celebration
CANTON, S.D. - Pumpkin catapulting, carving and seed guessing are just a few of the activities for visitors to Newton Hills State Park. The 13th Annual FestiFall runs from 1-5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 6.
The popular FestiFall event is attended annually by people of all ages. The event features many family activities including arts and crafts, kids' games and bluegrass music. Kids of all ages can participate in "make and take" craft activities such as old fashion rope, wooden necklaces, tin punching, trick or treat bags, etc.
The Ensz & Beachler families will have their parrots on display, the Thompson family will be demonstrating Dutch oven cooking and Marty Davidson will be demonstrating old-fashion spinning.
The afternoon has become a popular arts and craft show, hosting over 30 craft vendors displaying unique crafts, home decor and many other gift ideas. Food vendors will have food & drink available throughout the afternoon.
As in year's past, the pumpkin will take center stage with pumpkin carving demonstrations, decorated pumpkin contests and pumpkin catapulting with help from the group Society of Creative Anachronism. Visitors are encouraged to bring in their own decorated or carved pumpkins for judging. Your carved pumpkins may also be brought in to be used on the Candlelight Walk.
Following the afternoon FestiFall celebration, the Candlelight Walk will lead visitors along 2.2 miles of candle-lit trail through the deep woods of Newton Hills. The trail will be solely lit by candles and carved pumpkins. Walkers will encounter many surprises along the trail, including musicians, colorful characters from the past, a magician and telescopes to view the evening sky. Walkers may begin the self-led adventure anytime between 7:15 and 8:30 p.m.
Throughout the weekend, campers are encouraged to decorate their campsites with a fall theme. Hay wagon rides will be available Saturday afternoon to take visitors through the campground to view and judge the decorated campsites. Winners of the campsite decorating, pumpkin seed guessing and pumpkin decorating contest will be announced at 4 p.m.
There is no cost to participate in any of the events; however a park entrance license is required. For additional information, visit www.gfp.sd.gov, call 605-987-2263 or email NewtonHills@state.sd.us.