Dickinson continues to gear up for eight activity-filled days. This year's 38th annual Roughrider Days Fair and Expo will be no exception in providing fun and entertainment to Dickinson and the surrounding area in celebration of our nation's independence.

"We are just all very dedicated to providing this entertainment to Dickinson and southwest North Dakota," said Lori Vernon, secretary of the Roughrider Commission. "It is enjoyable to see people coming in instead of going out."

Three PRCA rodeos in a row will start off Roughrider Days. Saturday will be Fan Appreciation Night, so tickets will be $2 off the original price, making them $10 for adults and $5 for kids. Sunday is kids night, so kids 12 and under will be admitted free when accompanied by an adult. The last rodeo night is Monday , and the theme is "Tough Enough To Wear Pink." In support of cancer awareness, the Roughrider Commission will be donating a dollar for each person who wears pink to the rodeo. All three rodeos will be held at the Roughrider/DSU Outdoor Arena with grand entry beginning at 6:15 p.m.

"A lot of people that have moved away come back to take part in the festivities," Vernon said.

4-H events will fill the days of July 1-3. On July 1 a horse show will start at 9 a.m. On July 1 and 2 the static exhibits will begin at 10 a.m. at the Days Inn and Grand Dakota Lodge with the 4-H Showcase beginning at 11 a.m. on July 2. There also will be a poultry and rabbit show at 4 p.m. and a dog and pet show at 7 p.m. both in the in the DSU Indoor Arena. July 3 will begin with a livestock show at 8 a.m. and a premium livestock sale at 4 p.m., both in the DSU Indoor Arena.

On the July 4, there is the Sax Motor Co. Demolition Derby at the Roughrider/DSU Outdoor Arena beginning at 1 p.m. Independence Day will end with the traditional fireworks also at the outdoor arena beginning at 10 p.m.

The day after Independence Day will start early at 7:30 a.m. with the 5k-10k Run/Walk at the Dickinson Recreation Center.

The Roughrider Days Parade, themed Musical Moments, will be held at 10 a.m. on July 5 in downtown Dickinson, and convertibles are needed for the parade. If you are interested contact Lisa or Lori at the Roughrider Commission office at 701-483-7721 by June 30.

Also on July 5 is the Arts Roundup of southwest North Dakota on the Dickinson State University campus. There will be art venders and music set up on the lawn of the campus beginning at 11 a.m. and going until 7 p.m. This also is the Family Fun Day from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Jaycee Park.

"The overall fair is family geared," Vernon said.

Roughrider Days will go out with a bang with the Emerson Drive concert also on July 5. Doors will open at 6 p.m., and Little Texas will open the show at 7:30 p.m. Emerson Drive will perform at 9 p.m. General admission costs $25 in advance and $30 the day of the concert.

(Kay Kemmet is a student at Bismarck High School.)