Four warm and sunny days in a row resulted in a successful 49th Annual Fort Sisseton Historical Festival. According to park staff, the event saw another strong turnout, with approximately 11,000 visitors, surpassing last year’s attendance.
Some of the highlights included Lakota necklace-making and hoop dancing workshops led by Dallas and Star Chief Eagle, with support from the South Dakota Arts Council. The plant and book bingo event raised nearly $3,000 for projects at the fort. Visitors also enjoyed Doc Terra’s medicinal garden presentation and her “terrific tonic” said to cure nearly everything that ails you. New food and craft vendors were also popular additions.
Thursday evening, a longtime festival fixture was honored when LeRon Knebel was surprised with a birthday celebration for his 82nd birthday. Knebel has been involved with the festival for 29 years.
Saturday afternoon, barrel racers took to the arena for the Fort Sisseton NBHA Barrel Race, sponsored by the Buckhorn Rodeo Association, with competitors posting strong times across youth, senior and open divisions.
In Youth 1D, Lily Mundt finished first with a time of 16.182, followed by Gabby Hanson in second at 16.503. Youth 2D saw Payton Mack take first place with a time of 17.646. In Youth 3D, Bentley Hill placed first at 19.238, Ana Pioske was second at 21.511, and Claire Pioske was third at 21.557.
In Senior 1D, Sheila Voelsch earned first place with a time of 15.846. Senior 3D competition went to Tracy Cutler, who placed first with a time of 18.449. There were no placings in Senior 2D.
Open 1D results were led by AbbyJo Treeby in first at 15.679, followed by Sheila Voelsch in second at 15.846, Linda Schlosser in third at 16.069, Taya Sandal in fourth at 16.082, Gabby Hanson in fifth at 16.515, Jamie Goetz in sixth at 16.549, Morgan Yetter in seventh at 16.613, Lily Mundt in eighth at 16.632, and Jessica Woods in ninth at 16.647.
In Open 2D, McKenna Gloe placed first with a time of 16.841 and Payton Mack was second at 17.646. Open 3D saw Tracy Cutler take first at 18.449, Linda Schlosser second at 18.583, Jennifer Sandal third at 19.517, and Claire Pioske fourth at 22.072.
Looking ahead, park staff say preparations are already underway for a milestone year. The 50th Annual Fort Sisseton Historical Festival is scheduled for June 5–7, 2027, with plans for an expanded lineup of events and activities.
