Spring Volksmarch participants persevere through morning hailstorm

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KEVN) - The Volksmarch at Crazy Horse Memorial is a bi-annual event attracting thousands to the southern Black Hills.

According to the Crazy Horse Memorial website, it’s the biggest group hike in the United States. Thousands of people made their way up dirt roads to the massive sculpture-in-progress north of Custer, despite weather creating challenges early on.

The first marchers set out just before 8 in the morning. Around this time, a small hailstorm passed through the area. While this setback was brief, it did leave the trails muddy. By the time the first group of hikers reached Crazy Horse’s “arm,” cloud cover began to clear, offering a better view of the surrounding areas.

One of the first hikers to reach the arm was Michael Charette, one of Crazy Horse Memorial’s artists in residence. Charette creates complex dream catchers and plays a traditional Native American flute at The Indian Museum of North America, part of the Crazy Horse Memorial site. Originally from northern Wisconsin, Charette said he was originally unsure about the position due to differing opinions among Native Americans regarding Crazy Horse’s depiction in the mountain. Now, Charette said he loves what he does

“Once I came here and I saw for myself what Crazy Horse was all about, I very much wanted to take part in that positive conversation,” Charette said.

This iteration of the Volksmarch introduced a 5K route for hikers who did not wish to traverse the entire traditional 10K route. The next Volksmarch at Crazy Horse will take place Sunday, September 29.

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