Yesterday at the Buffalo Roundup in Custer State Park, I was amazed by the variety of people in attendance. South Dakota Game Fish & Parks released information saying that the number of spectators that viewed the roundup yesterday is estimated near 14,000!

Before the bison came rumbling over the distant ridge, I wandered around the viewing area taking photos and chatting with some of the other folks who were waiting. I met visitors from Florida, Texas, California, Kansas and Canada who had made the trip to the Black Hills simply to see the buffalo roundup.

For many that I spoke with, this was their first time to the roundup, but for others, it has become a yearly trek. Dorothy and Paul, from southern Texas, have been making the trip to the event for more than a decade.

Self-proclaimed “roundup viewer pros” they told me that the best way to enjoy the roundup is to take a deep breath, forget any troubles and imagine yourself back in the Old West.

They said that they continue to come back every year because the roundup is one of the most beautiful sights they see every year – and they’ve seen a lot! Dorothy and Paul have visited every state in the nation and 8 foreign countries.

On one ridge, overlooking Lame Johnny Creek were viewers of a different sort – the press. The journalists and professional photographers with their huge telephoto lenses were all set up and ready to capture that award-winning shot.

Much of their coverage made national news last night, as I found the buffalo roundup covered by media in Tennessee, Arkansas and Minnesota. I’m sure they were able to get some great photos, but I bet the young lady in the pink hat, shown above, made some pretty great memories as well.