58th Buffalo Roundup is Friday

An estimated 20,000 to 25,000 people are expected to gather and watch the stampede of 1,300 buffalo at Custer State Park’s 58th annual Buffalo Roundup this Friday, September 29.
The roundup starts at about 9:30 a.m., but does depend on the cooperation of the bison. Viewers who wish to pick their preferred viewing spot are advised to arrive early with gates to viewing areas opening at 6:15 a.m. Handicap parking is available and golf carts are available to assist people to the viewing area should they need it.
If arriving by bus or motorcoach, it’s advised to enter on Lame Johnny Road or the south entrance of the Wildlife Loop Road to be guided to a designated parking area.
The roundup lasts until about 11:30 a.m., but leaving the area may require patience as it takes time to get traffic through safely.
There are two viewing areas: one to the north and one to the south. The park advises that it’s best to go to the area closest to where entering from. From the north, viewers will see the bison come at them as they watch from behind a fence before the bison turn into the corrals. From the south, spectators are treated to panoramic views of the bison coming over the prairie hills as they are moved into the corrals. No seating is provided, and attendees are encouraged to bring their own lawn chair, layered clothing, binoculars, sunscreen, flashlights, snacks and drinks.
The buffalo roundup takes place each year to manage the park’s herd of bison, one of the largest herds in the world. Management of the herd following the roundup includes  branding, ear tagging, vaccinating of calves as well as weighing and health and pregnancy checks on the mature bison.  
The roundup also allows some of the herd to be sorted out to be sold at auction in November. The park auctions approximately 200-500 bison each year; they may be purchased by the general public to supplement existing herds, to begin new herds or for food. Buyers come from many different states to purchase bison from the park.
Visitors are  also welcome to go to the corrals after the bison are safely rounded up to observe park staff work with a portion of the herd and for a close-up look at the  branding, ear-tagging and other management processes.  
A pancake and sausage breakfast will be available for purchase beginning at 6:15 a.m. in both viewing areas. After the bison are safely rounded up into the corrals, lunch will also be served at the bison center until 2 p.m..
The 30th Annual Arts Festival will begin a day before the roundup at 10 a.m. Thursday and will continue through 4 p.m. Saturday. The festival boasts 175 vendors and is located across from the Peter Norbeck Outdoor Education Center.
There are also plenty of activities, educational opportunities and fun to seek out at the festival, starting with a golden buffalo hunt taking place all three days of the festival. At 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. each day, 10 three-inch-tall golden bison toys will be hidden on the festival grounds. Once one is found, it can be turned in to park staff at the big top tent in exchange for a unique prize.
On Friday night at 7 p.m., there will be a hot air balloon night glow, in which hot air balloons will be inflated and lit up but will not ascend into the air, instead staying put for the amusement and enjoyment of spectators. This event is weather-dependent.
There will be a pancake  breakfast from 8 to 10 a.m. on Saturday with proceeds going to the Custer YMCA Child Development Center.
The Arts Festival also has a full lineup of live entertainment beginning with   some good ol’ country and bluegrass by Stringbean and the Svenson Family from 10 a.m.  to 11:30 a.m. on Thursday.
From noon to 1:30 p.m., Moonlight Moonlight will play their ripping double-time bluegrass and Montana mountain music.
At 2 p.m., Jalan Crossland will bring from Wyoming his award-winning bluegrass, Americana and alternative country tunes for the next hour and a half.
Closing out the big tent on Thursday are the Wilt Brothers, who will bring their bring 20 years of experience and country music to the park.
On Friday, the music picks back up with Quinlan Valdez, playing acoustic Americana Folk on guitar and banjo. Listeners may relate his style to Bob Dylan or Cat Stevens. Valdez begins at noon and goes until 2 p.m.
At 2:30 until 3:30 p.m., the Fort Hays Wranglers- will entertain the big tent with a music and comedy variety show.
From 4 to 5 p.m., the Lonely Rangers are back by popular demand to play their upbeat acoustic country rock music.
Greg Hanson and the Backroads will close the second night of music with their country toe-tappin’ and partner swingin’ music.
On Saturday, the music begins with Ted Emmons, whose music will bring a country flair to the roundup.
He will be followed by Almeda Bradshaw from 10:15 to 11:30 a.m., playing the Buffalo Roundup for the first time. She brings a variety of songs composed from classic western poetry.
From noon to 1:30 p.m., the Potter Family Ladies will treat listeners to their trademark family harmonies and genre varieties.
As the festival winds down for the weekend, Kerry Grombacher will close it out with his contemporary folk and western songs.
A reservation or tickets are  not required for any of the events of the weekend, and for the day of the roundup the park will waive their usual admission fee. Those visiting either before or after Friday can buy a weekly entrance pass for $20.