Pierre and Fort Pierre Receive Rooster Rush Cacklin' Community Award at 2026 Governor's Conference on Tourism

Pierre and Fort Pierre Receive Rooster Rush Cacklin’ Community Award at 2026 Governor’s Conference on Tourism
 

Pierre, SD — The Rooster Rush Cacklin’ Community Award was proudly presented to the Pierre and Fort Pierre communities on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at the 2026 Governor’s Conference on Tourism, recognizing their outstanding efforts to welcome both in-state and out-of-state hunters to South Dakota.
 

This award celebrates communities that go above and beyond to create a friendly, festive, and inviting atmosphere during Rooster Rush. Together, Pierre and Fort Pierre exemplified that spirit by hosting a storefront decoration contest, which saw 33 local businesses participate in showing their Rooster Rush pride and hospitality.
 

In addition to the storefront decorating contest, the communities hosted welcome tables staffed with friendly greeters, offering hunters and visitors sponsor-branded items including whistles, bandages, tissues, and more to ensure a warm and practical welcome. Rooster Rush mascot Rudy made appearances throughout town, visiting all 33 participating storefronts to thank businesses and spread excitement.
 

Community engagement extended beyond downtown as Rudy also visited most elementary schools in Pierre, Fort Pierre, and Onida, alongside Nick Harrington with South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks. Together, they read Rudy’s First Hunt to students and shared important lessons on hunting safety, helping educate and inspire the next generation while reinforcing responsible outdoor traditions.
 

We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Pierre and Fort Pierre communities, our 2025 Rooster Rush Sponsors, and all participating businesses whose enthusiasm and support made this achievement possible. This recognition reflects a strong partnership between local businesses, community leaders, and tourism advocates working together to showcase the very best of South Dakota.
 

This is a proud moment for Pierre and Fort Pierre, and the excitement is already building as we look ahead to Rooster Rush 2026.
 

Pictured from left to right:
South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden, Dani Norden, Ely De Alba, Marcy Anderson, Miranda Panzer, and James Hagen, Secretary of the South Dakota Department of Tourism.