Roundup in the Rain

Despite the pouring rain, which the longhorn cattle and cowboys either didn't mind or were prepared for, the enthusiastic citizens of Belle Fourche turned out to watch the ritual cattle drive down Main St. from the comfort of their pickup trucks or the local coffee shop. Although now there are only a handful of cattle driven down the street, "in the old days" Belle Fourche was part of the long trail along which thousands of head of cattle were driven. Interesting how communities recreate events in this ritual way to keep their histories alive. The Black Hills Roundup happens all July 4 weekend, with parades, rodeos, contests, carnival and the crowning of Miss Roundup Queen. We plan on going to the rodeo Sunday night and seeing the fireworks if we aren't rained out.