The Sturgis Buffalo Chip® spent Thursday honoring our nation’s military members with its annual Freedom Celebration. Guests at the Sturgis campground spent the day visiting exhibits such as the American Veterans Traveling Tribute Wall, the Field of Flags, the Patriot Guard Riders display and the Warrior Foundation display.
Military tributes continued on the main stage with patriotic rockers, Madison Rising. Headed up by former Navy serviceman, David Bray, the band delivered their powerful pro-American message to a sea of flag-waving audience members. But when the group concluded their performance with their rock rendition of the Star Spangled Banner, the roaring motorcycle crowd fell silent, removed their hats and stood reverently.
The Budweiser Clydesdales delivered Sturgis Buffalo Chip® president, Rod Woodruff, to the amphitheater to honor two fallen Navy SEALs in a moving military tribute on the main stage. The Sturgis campground honored the lives of Tyrone S. Woods and Glen Doherty, who ran into gunfire to save civilians on September 11, 2012 in Benghazi, Libya. The families of these courageous soldiers were on hand to receive a memorial plaque. Following the presentation Brantley Gilbert and Lynryd Skynryd continued the patriotic theme throughout the rest of the evening.
“It was such an honor to have the families of Tyrone Woods and Glen Doherty join us on the stage,” says Rod Woodruff, president of the Sturgis Buffalo Chip. “The United States owes these men a debt of gratitude. We felt it was important to pay tribute to these soldiers with this presentation to ensure that their heroic actions are never forgotten.”
In addition to the events of the Freedom Celebration, Thursday’s Rat’s Hole Custom Bike Show drew a huge crowd to the CrossRoads at the Buffalo Chip®. Countless people gathered around to marvel at the collection of custom bikes. The Rat’s Hole International Judging team was on site to examine each rolling work of art and make the Best in Show presentation later that night on the main stage.
Thursday’s main stage presentations also included the highly anticipated announcement of the Sturgis Rider Sweepstakes winner. Tracy Hildebrand will leave the Sturgis Rally with her own Ness customized Victory motorcycle as well as with her new customized Epiphone guitar.
The rock solid lineup of Sturgis concerts at the Buffalo Chip continue Friday with headliners Sublime with Rome, legendary Doors’ guitarist, Robby Krieger, and Sweet Cyanide. Campground admission passes are still available and all concerts are free with camping. Passes also grant guests access to the Bikini Beach swim paradise, 25 bars, thrilling exhibits, and outrageous events. The 32nd annual Sturgis Buffalo Chip Motorcycle and Music Festival runs through Saturday, Aug. 11. More details are available at www.BuffaloChip.com or by calling (605) 347-9000.
