BELLE FOURCHE—A summer staple for area youth, the Belle Jackpot Association is in full swing for another season. The volunteer-run association has been providing fun rodeo competition for around 33 years.
May jackpot dates were held on Thursdays—May 7, 21 and 28. In June, the schedule shifts to Wednesdays, June 3 and 10. Rain dates will be determined if needed.
The Belle Jackpot Association is dedicated to bringing youth rodeo to the local area. The organization offers four designated age divisions along with an open division for goat tying, calf roping and breakaway roping. The age groups are 0-6, 7-10, 11-14 and 15-18. Events offered include goat tying, goat tail untying, barrel racing, pole bending, tie-down roping, breakaway roping, dummy roping and team roping to help kids hone their rodeo skills.
The events are designed to give rodeo athletes a place to practice in a laid-back setting, but with good competition, while preparing for the upcoming season of high school rodeos, junior high rodeos, Little Britches Rodeos and 4-H rodeos.
The rodeo series is a popular draw for local contestants, with 100 or more youth entered each week. All entries are taken online and close the morning of the event, and fees are collected via Venmo or PayPal, keeping everything running smoothly.
The Belle Jackpot Association relies on sponsors, parents and community members to help make the jackpots run smoothly. Volunteers are needed to help with taking entries, announcing for each arena, posting the draw, supplying the stock, opening gates, preparing the ground, setting poles and barrels, holding goats, running the roping chute, timing, bookkeeping, prize payout and much more.
There are three designated areas for different events. Beginning at 4 p.m., the dummy roping and goat tail untying are held under the covered stand by the office. The horse events are divided between the east and west arenas, with both starting at 5 p.m.
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