Dickinson celebrates community spirit at Roughrider Days Parade
Jul. 2—DICKINSON — The annual Roughrider Days Fair, which officially kicked off on June 15 with the Dickinson Youth Rodeo, continued its festivities with a vibrant parade on Saturday, June 29. The parade, themed "Life is a Highway," drew residents and visitors alike to downtown Dickinson, featuring over 100 entries that highlighted the town's rich community spirit.
The parade began at 10 a.m., sponsored by Sax Motor Company. Leading the procession was Parade Marshall Keith Robinson, followed by a diverse lineup including the North Dakota Highway Patrol, the Dickinson Fire Department, and various community groups and businesses. Notable entries included the Dickinson High School Class of 1974 and the Ukrainian Cultural Institute, both bringing a mix of nostalgia and cultural pride to the event.
During the parade, attendees enjoyed complimentary root beer floats courtesy of Dacotah Bank, adding to the festive atmosphere. The day's events began early with the Family Fun Day Walk/Run at Dickinson State University Student Center, starting at 7:45 a.m., drawing participants eager to start the day with a healthy activity.
Post-parade festivities continued at the Dickinson Eagles Club with a Build Your Own Bloody Mary Bar at 9 a.m., followed by Beer and Brats at 11 a.m. The Family Fun Day at the Dickinson State University King Pavilion ran from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring various activities for families and children.
Champs Sports Club hosted $1 hot dogs and $2 brats from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., alongside an 8-ball pool tournament in the afternoon. The day also featured live music with Patrick Lee at Bernie's Esquire Club and the 10 Underground band performing at the Eagles Club from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The evening was capped off with the PRCA Rodeo Grand Entry at the Stark County Fairgrounds at 6:45 p.m., followed by "Kids Night at the Rodeo," sponsored by Marathon Petroleum and B&B Hot Oil Service, highlighting the family-oriented nature of the event. The rodeo included all timed events except breakaway roping and barrels, concluding with a PRCA Rodeo Slack performance.
Sunday, June 30, continued the Roughrider Days festivities with a Corn Hole Tournament at Champs Sports Club at 1 p.m. and another PRCA Rodeo Grand Entry at 3:45 p.m. The theme for Sunday's rodeo was "Military Appreciation Day," honoring service members and sponsored by Marathon Petroleum.
Looking ahead, the Roughrider Days Fair will feature a concert on Wednesday, July 3, with Gary LeVox of Rascal Flatts and special guests Montgomery Gentry featuring Eddie Montgomery at the Stark County Fairgrounds. The concert, sponsored by ATS Adams Testing Service and Family Fare, begins at 7 p.m. with gates opening at 6 p.m.
Gary LeVox, the lead vocalist of the country music trio Rascal Flatts, is known for hits like "Bless the Broken Road" and "What Hurts the Most." His powerful voice and heartfelt performances have earned him a dedicated fanbase.
Joining him, Montgomery Gentry, featuring Eddie Montgomery, will bring their blend of Southern rock and country music to the stage. Known for their energetic performances and songs like "Something to Be Proud Of" and "My Town," the duo has been a staple in the country music scene for over two decades.
Additionally, the "Party on the Pavement" 20 Year Celebration will continue at Bernie's Esquire Club with DJ Entertainment Explosion at 8 p.m.
The festivities will culminate on Thursday, July 4, with a spectacular fireworks display at the Sanford Sports Complex (formerly the DSU Outdoor Arena) at 10 p.m., promising a memorable conclusion to the Roughrider Days Fair.
For more details on the Roughrider Days events and schedule, visit the official website or follow local updates on social media.