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The sights and sounds of the frontier era once again came to life this past weekend during the 47th annual Fort Sisseton Historical Festival. Since 1978, the festival has drawn thousands to the historic grounds, and this year was no exception. Park officials estimated attendance at approximately 10,700—up significantly from last year’s crowd of around 9,000. In addition to the higher turnout, more campers also stayed at the fort this year despite changing weather conditions.
Saturday brought ideal weather, with warm but comfortable temperatures, and even an early evening rain couldn’t stop the Grand March and Military Ball from proceeding as planned. Sunday was much cooler and windier, causing sparser crowds as vendors and artists worked to secure their tents.
Festivalgoers enjoyed a wide variety of activities, including historical demonstrations, infantry drills, family-friendly programs, and living history exhibits. Highlights included the scavenger hunt featuring 450 hidden rubber duckies, a spirited 1860s-style baseball game in which the Fort Sisseton Soldiers defeated the Fort Sisseton Batters 18–11, and crowd-favorite performances by Starr Chief Eagle and Dallas Chief Eagle of the Lakota Tribe, showcasing hoop dancing and teachings on the medicine wheel. Minnesota Jack Sparrow also drew a crowd with his pirate-themed antics.
A new and well-received addition to this year’s schedule was barrel racing, hosted by the Buckhorn Rodeo Association on Saturday. Forty-eight competitors raced in the event, which was praised by riders and spectators alike. Buckhorn’s Suzanne Smith said improvements to the arena, including fresh gravel and updates to the facility, made a positive impression on participants, who appreciated the quality of the grounds. Plans are already underway to bring the event back next year.
Barrel racing results were as follows: Results: 1D- 1st- McKenzie Fjelland (16.106); 2nd- Dalayne Jones (16.230); 3rd- Ava German (16.255); 4th- Jessica Woods (16.272). 2D- 1st- Raina Stabnow (16.728); 2nd- Olivia Lewandowski (16.743). 3D- 1st- Hannah Atkins (17.133); 2nd- Linda Schlosser (17.213); 3rd- Jordan Iverson (17.257); 4th- Finnley Rossow (17.357). 4D- 1st Kelly Terryll (18.115), 2nd- Kaley Smith (18.241); 3rd Kelly Burley (18.434); 4th- Henley Mack (18.654).
Organizers are already looking ahead to next year’s event, which is scheduled for June 5–7, 2026.
