Larry Pressler: “Last week marked the 50th Annual Sitting Bull Stampede in Mobridge, SD. People from across the State and Nation joined…”

“Last week marked the 50th Annual Sitting Bull Stampede in Mobridge, SD. People from across the State and Nation joined together in celebrating a long-standing tradition which first began in 1946. The stampede has a long and colorful history, and it serves to remind people of South Dakota's proud heritage. It is appropriate that the Sitting Bull Stampede is named after the famed Sioux leader. The multicultural diversity of the event recognizes the contributions of both native Americans and non-native Americans to South Dakota in the last century. As my colleagues know, Sitting Bull was a famous leader and medicine man of the Lakota people. This native American hero was born in the Mobridge area and lived there for much of his life. His remains are buried on a nearby bluff overlooking the Missouri River. The Sitting Bull Stampede began as a small rodeo organized by a group of cowboys. As the rodeo became more successful, the stampede began to take on a cultural focus. Last week's celebration was one of the biggest thus far, complete with parades, rodeos, a carnival, and many other festivities. More than 400 contestants competed in this year's rodeo. Miss Rodeo America, Jennifer Douglas, was on hand to assist in the crowning of this year's stampede queen, Anne Lopez of Keldron. Mr. President, I am very proud of the accomplishments of the people of the Mobridge area in planning such a tremendous event.”