Corn Palace

 So we will start with the funny fireworks.  We went to the lake to watch the fireworks and there were fireworks in several directions, but none seemed like a “formal” display.  It was the most confusing fireworks I ever went to.  Look left, some go off to the right, look right some go to the left, then some from behind.  So we did that for a half hour or so and with tired necks headed back to the site.  While laying in bed reading, we hear the “real” fireworks going off.  It was light until 10:00pm which is when the real fireworks started, so what we saw were just people shooting off fireworks.  

So July 5th we got up and went to the Corn Palace in Mitchell, SD.  This year’s theme is Famous South Dakotans.  We recognized Bob Barker and Laura Ingalls.  We learned about Mike Miller, who was a hometown basketball player, playing at the Corn Palace as his high school home court.  He ended up playing for the Miami Heat in the NBA.  

Some statistics: 3,000 bushels of rye, oat heads and sour dock are tied in bundles and attached.  Approximately 325,000 ears of corn are cut in half and nailed to the building in the patterns.  12 different colors of corn are used

The murals were designed by Oscar Howe from 1948 - 1971.  Currently the murals are designed by Dakota Wesleyan University Digital Media and Design students.  They are designed digitally and then traced onto 100 foot roll of paper in a color by number fashion.  Oscar Howe drew the themes and then transferred them to the 100 foot roll paper.  Mural decorators match the corn color to the coloring system on the paper.  

The Palace itself is used for the local high school basketball team, Dakota Wesleyan University basketball and as an entertainment venue with a long history of famous performers.  Fun Fact:  Dave’s ophthalmologist in Florida played basketball at the Corn Palace as a young man.  

Entry to the Corn Palace is Free.  This is our third time at the Corn Palace and it doesn’t disappoint.  

We then headed to the Badlands National Park.  Time to get some hiking in or as my kids like to say, “walk Mom” or “forced march”.  

Here’s a few more pictures of the murals.