Black Hills Stock Show and Rodeo on track to break records
RAPID CITY, S.D. (KEVN) - The Black Hills Stock Show and Rodeo just kicked off last week, but how are attendance and revenue looking so far?
Even on Monday, the hallways and arenas of the Monument were packed with vendors and customers looking to see what they have for sale. When KEVN asked vendors what their best guess is as to why so many people are still coming through, they all had a similar answer.
“I think the weather has really played into it, I’m with Pitchfork Supply and you know we sell livestock equipment, and the livestock industry has really had a banner year and it’s really fueled these ranchers to make some improvements to their operations,” said Tim Hammel, owner of Pitchfork Supply.
“Last year was a lot colder so I feel like we sold a lot of winter boots last year, but I feel like the nice weather brings people out,” said Judy Nickel, a vendor at the show.
“You know I think the nice weather has a lot to do with it,” said Rob Hill, owner of Hills Western Boot Company.
Aside from the weather being nice, numbers from the shows are looking promising as well. Stock show general manager Ron Jefferies says that many of the shows this year are surpassing sales last year at this time. He is confident that the stock show is on track to break the sales record set last year. Many of the vendors said their sales reflect this growth as well.
“Stock show’s been great this year, the foot traffic has been unbelievable. Yeah, it’s just been really good our sales are probably triple what they’ve been in the last three to four years,” said Hammel.
“I think it’s definitely busier and I think the common theme is the weather, you know people are out and about and enjoying the opportunity to get down here,” said John Stratman, owner of Mason Morse Ranch Company.
“We think it’s been a great weekend so far; I think the warm weather actually brings quite a few shoppers out here to shop,” said Shyanne Rodning, owner of Rustic Coop MN.
Those interested in checking out all the excitement at the stock show still have time, it runs all week with the last day on Saturday.
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