BELLE FOURCHE—The Dinosaurs of the Hell Creek Museum tried something new this weekend, turning the outdoor spaces around the Museum into a gathering place for the first-ever Rock’in Rock, Mineral and Fossil Show. They invited the public to come out and enjoy the two-day event on August 15 and 16.
Vendors and food trucks lined the open spaces along the road and parking area, giving visitors plenty to see and do as they explored the event. Inside the Museum, the Hitching Post Tap House set up a beer garden and offered a variety of drinks for thirsty eventgoers.
Turnout on Sunday was a little more robust than on Saturday, although a steady stream of visitors came both days. “I think everything went fairly well, actually. We had over 100-some people here today (Saturday). It wasn’t as big as I would have liked, but this is our first time—so putting it in realistic perspective, this is not bad for the first try,” shared Walter Stein, owner.
The Rock’in event was free. The Museum offered discounted rates for anyone who wanted to peruse all of the dinosaur finds and fossils inside. Expedition Outpost Gift Shop offered 10 percent off of everything in the store.
The stage featured free musical acts each day. On Saturday, Michael Meemken with Pass the Mike Entertainment kept the crowd jumping, playing karaoke favorites. The stage was busy with entertainers of all ages taking the mic and singing a tune.
Live music was on the program for Sunday with musical duo Bittersweet performing from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., followed by the West Dakota Band playing from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Folks brought their lawn chairs and enjoyed the live entertainment.
Stein had hoped to capitalize on the crowds attending the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally by attracting some of the bikers to the museum. However, very few motorcycles turned into the complex. Families did turn up, and kids enjoyed the music and the dinosaurs inside the museum. There were also lawn games for them to play.
A silent auction was going on inside as well, with dinosaur teeth, bones, fossils, rocks and other treasures up for auction, offering something for everyone while helping to support the Museum. Some of the vendors on site included Pink Misty Minerals, Outlaw Fossil Prep and Sales, Wilderness Treasure, Amende’s Crafts, Asian Eatstreet, Sergeant Poppers, Kernels and Kandies, The Artemis House and Petal and Bean.
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