Rodeo Fun With a Purpose: McCrossan Celebrates 70 Years

Experience Family Fun at the Xtreme Event Challenge

If you're looking for a Saturday night filled with family fun, rodeo action and a little bit of “X-treme” excitement, head out to the McCrossan Boys Ranch on Saturday, August 22.

The McCrossan Boys Ranch Xtreme Event Challenge promises an action-packed evening at the Ranch's Rodeo Grounds, featuring barrel racing, mutton busting and the Northern Bull Riding Tour. There's plenty of excitement for rodeo fans of all ages, and you can even bring your own blankets and lawn chairs and settle in for the show.

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Gates open at 3:30 p.m., with pre-show entertainment beginning at 4 p.m. The rodeo action gets underway at 5 p.m.

Tickets are $15 in advance or $16 at the gate for adults. Youth tickets are $5 in advance or $8 at the gate. You can get your tickets online now and also get in on the raffle for a Husqvarna Robot Mower. If you need more information or to purchase tickets by phone, call the McCrossan Boys Ranch at 605-339-1203.

Support a Cause: Making a Difference for Youth

While the rodeo is certainly the star of the evening, the event also offers a chance to support an organization that has been making a difference in young people's lives for seven decades.

For 70 years, the McCrossan Boys Ranch has provided “new hope for a better life” for boys ages 11 to 20 who have experienced conflict in their lives. The Ranch gives young men opportunities to learn, grow, and build a brighter future.

So grab the family, bring your lawn chairs, and get ready to hold on to your hats. It's going to be one X-treme night at the Ranch!

Here's my list of Not-So-Typical, but Awesome Things to See in Sioux Falls.

Dives Worth a Drive in South Dakota, Iowa and Minnesota

Almost every small South Dakota town has a watering hole. It’s where the locals go to kick back a few brews and engage in conversation.

Some of these establishments are located in buildings almost as old as the town itself. There might be a fresh coat of paint on the walls or new vinyl on the booth seats, but the ambiance is still reminiscent of a good ol’ dive.

If you think a "dive" is all about the sketchy clientele, the smell of the Devil’s lettuce, and stale Grain Belt, you’d be wrong. Not every dive has a bad reputation.

What makes a dive, a dive?

A dive has character. Neon beer signs and local memorabilia adorn the walls.

You might find a pool table, dart board, and a few video lottery machines.

The bartender knows the regulars by name and they know what you drink.

Some dives don't even serve food except for bags of chips and pickled eggs that sit in a jar of brine on the bar.

Dives aren't fancy. You might see 70's-style wood panels on the walls and wobbly tables leveled with a folded napkin.

Finally, the bathrooms. The bathrooms in dives are in a class by themselves and could be a whole topic on its own.

There are several small-town dives in our area with friendly faces, cheap booze with a burn, and even really good food! We use the term "dive" in the most affectionate way.

Here are some of the best and why you should go there.

Gallery Credit: Karla Brown