What do South Dakotans do in the wintertime to escape the boredom of being inside? They get out and watch each other race Fat-bikes, they explore each other's artistic photographs or life-like creations, they party and laugh together, and they ride snowmobiles in the beautiful black hills together, to name a few!
Mardi-Gras Weekend in Deadwood is awesome and the fun is all Free! The old western town of Deadwood can throw one heck of a party! During this wonderful celebration, you can enjoy delicious Cajun themed foods at Mineral Palace, Buffalo Bodega, Gold Dust, Tin Lizzie and more! A masquerade costume party will be followed by a king and queen coronation beginning the Friday before Fat Tuesday. A very colorful parade will take place on Saturday where 100,000 beads will be thrown! Enjoy the live concert of Creole music given by Louisiana native Curley Taylor and Zydeco Trouble, which will take place at the Silverado-Franklin Gaming complex Saturday evening! Visit their website deadwood.com to learn more about this event.
The 28 Below Fatbike race is a 30-mile race with a long stretch followed by a circular trail that starts in Lead. It requires nearly 2,700 feet of uphill biking. As you trek along trails normally used for snowmobiles, but accepatable for the usage of fatbikes, you will approach a breathtaking panoramic view at the only checkpoint and first-aid stop, Cement Ridge Fire Lookout. There is much more unknown beauty to discover as you go along. Meet at Spearfish Canyon Lodge (14 Miles to the south of Spearfish) to get final rules and details before the race begins from here. This event takes place rain, shine, or snow, so come prepared for varying weather conditions mid-March. Visit their website 28below.com to learn more about this winter event.
Each year, the South Dakota Taxidermists Competition and Convention takes place at the Watertown Event Center. Local taxidermists as well as those from several states surrounding have been known to attend. Each year there are several seminars going on during the event days. There is usually about 100 entries from beginner taxidermists to those that are very experienced. This competition is open to the public for two days, in mid-March, on the weekend. Visit their website southdakotataxidermistassoc.com to learn more about this event.
Throughout the month of March, The Matthews in Spearfish put on an original and very unique and rare polaroid photography exhibit and display by local artist and photographer, Roger O'Dea from Belle Fourche. titled "Zero Megapixels". This extremely interesting show throughot March in the art gallery during business hours, 10 a.m.-5 p.m, Tuesdays-Saturdays. Both the exhibit and opening reception are free and open to the public. Visit their website matthewsopera.com to learn more about this wonderful event.
Winter can get depressing, but there is a funny alternative. Its the Fernson on 8th, TOTAL DRAG, and Wackos Comedy Club, at the Sno Jam Comedy Festival! It is held each year to raise $ for Special Olympics. You won't find any other venue with comedy like this!. There are at least 30 of the most hilarious comedians from all over the United States, perfoming here during these extremely fun shows. Many of the attendees are not accustomed to the cold temperatures and have a funny way of telling you about it. This three day extravaganza includes outstanding standup and entertainment with intense comical competition. This even normally occurs in mid-February. Visit their website siouxfallssnojamcomedyfest.com to learn more about this event.
What better way to celebrate winter time in South Dakota than by getting out in the mystical Black Hills and enjoy the snow! Over 1,500 miles of snowmobile trails wind through the beautiful prairies, flatlands, badlands, and hills of South Dakota. You can cross over the open prairie east of the Missouri River, or you can become entwined in the enchanting forest filled with ponderosa pinetrees as you follow trails that cover a million gorgeous acres and run throughout the Black Hills of South Dakota. The season normally runs December 15-March 31 each winter, but may change based on the condition of the trails. You can find maps and more info about the trails by going to the Game, Fish and Parks website at www.gfp.sd.gov.