MITCHELL, SD (Mitchell Now) — The Corn Palace Stampede Rodeo enters into the proverbial bucking chute on Tuesday afternoon.

Just 48 hours from the Extreme Bulls show that starts the action at Stampede Park, the organizing committee holds a thank you event for the sponsors and community that help make Mitchell’s rodeo unique. At 5 p.m., the public is welcome to chow down at a free barbecue, beverages included.

While everyone is clearing their plates, the Rodeo Committee will be inducting bullfighter Kaleb Barrett into its hall of fame. Barrett took part in every Corn Palace Stampede Rodeo between 2008 and 2022. This is his final year in the sport.

Mark Sturdevant is the parade grand marshal on Saturday. Committee Chair Jim Miskimins jokes that Sturdevant’s baked beans recipe has generated more goodwill in the community than any committee members’ contribution to the event. Sturdevant says he didn’t do much, but he had more fun than anyone else who had a role in putting on the rodeo.

The action starts in earnest two days later. It is tradition on Thursday of the rodeo for the sheriff’s office to surprise one motorist on Interstate 90 with a gift package. They stake out on the side of the road, select a winner, throw on their lights, and pull them over. From there, they present the winner with a key to the city from Mayor Jordan Hanson, a gift basket from the Mitchell Area Chamber of Commerce, a one-night stay at the Comfort Inn, dinner at the Depot, and Crow’s Nest seats for Thursday’s extreme bulls event.

Stampede Park is located at 6320 N. Ohlman Street, just west of Mitchell Airport.

Note: This story originally listed the 2025 honorees.