Celebrate Labor Day

Labor Day marks the beginning of the end of summer, but there’s still plenty of fun to be had. Whether you stay near base and just enjoy some time off or want to get out and about, the Black Hills are perfect for exploring.

Individual states had celebrated Labor Day for years until Congress passed a bill, making the first Monday of September a federal holiday in 1894. The original intent of the holiday was to recognize the contributions of the working class to the success of our nation. Recommended observations included street parades showcasing “the strength and esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations” in local communities, and carnivals or festivals to entertain workers and their families.

Today, Labor Day celebrations often include picnics, parades, and community events. It’s also a popular shopping weekend, with sales and deals aplenty. It’s a great way to stock up on all the things you might have missed during back-to-school shopping, or get a head start on the holidays. A great place to look for sales is our list of military friendly businesses in town; check it out here.

If you want to get out into the hills, check out these community events. You’ll find something no matter who is in your group, and they’re all within an hour of base.

Car Show
Custer is hosting their 43rd Annual Studebaker Car Show on September 5 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Check out vehicles from several decades of manufacturing, including both modified and restored ones from various models. The show is free, and you can vote for your favorite! Head downtown to Mt. Rushmore and 6th Street to see the cars line up.

Train Ride
Say goodbye to summer with a bang when you take the 1880 Train from Hill City to Keystone on September 5. Their 5 p.m. departure is the last Old West Shootout of the year. Bandits will board the train in Hill City, and then along the route you’ll be saved by the sheriff and his gang. It’s a unique Black Hills event that you won’t have a chance to do anywhere else — so why not check it out?

Rodeo Time
If you love rodeo, the Palmer Gulch KOA Resort and Lodge near Hill City is hosting their final Mount Rushmore Rodeo for the season on September 5 at 6 p.m. It’s the perfect family event, whether you’re a first timer or an avid rodeo follower. Events include bull riding, saddle bronc, and mutton bustin’ for kids. Make a day of it and go horseback riding, rent a UTV, or rent a cabin and stay the entire weekend!

Movie Night
Have kids in your group (or a few who are kids at heart?) Catch the last Monday Night Movie Night of the year at Outlaw Square in Deadwood on September 6. Bring a chair or a blanket to sit out and get ready to enjoy the 80s classic The Goonies under the stars. The movie starts right at 7 p.m.

Whatever your plans for this holiday weekend, we hope you enjoy the beautiful Black Hills and get some well-deserved rest and relaxation.