About this event
The Roundup stands as one of the oldest continuously held outdoor rodeos in the United States. Over a thrilling six-day span centered around the July 4th holiday weekend, Belle Fourche draws thousands of attendees from both the local region and beyond, including visitors from across the nation and around the world, all converging to revel in the festivities.
Originating years ago as a fundraiser for the 1918 war effort, the Black Hills Roundup witnessed a remarkable gathering of 15,000 individuals in a Belle Fourche field. This turnout was especially remarkable given Belle Fourche's population at the time, which stood at just 1,410 residents. Despite the conclusion of World War I the following year, the resounding success of the inaugural event inspired its continuation year after year.
In its earliest incarnation, the Roundup was less a spectacle of organized rodeo events and more a showcase of authentic ranching skills. The arena lacked proper infrastructure, with minimal fencing to contain the spirited broncos. Nevertheless, cowboys eagerly participated, adhering to simple rules: select a bronco, subdue it, mount up, nod to start, and hold on for dear life. The process of "ear-ing" a horse, whereby one cowboy grasped the horse's head and bit its ear to control it while others saddled up, often led to injuries for both horse and rider. Today's rodeo practices prioritize safety, with horses guided into chutes where cowboys can work from above, ensuring greater control and minimizing harm to all involved.
Modern-day Roundup events showcase top-ranked cowboys and cowgirls competing in a variety of disciplines, including barrel racing, bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, bull riding, team roping, and more.