APPLICATION DEADLINE: April 17, 2012 The Rapid City Arts Council (RCAC) along with Destination Rapid City (DRC) announce an international call for artists interested in an on-site commission to sculpt the 21 granite boulders at Main Street Square in downtown Rapid City, SD. Mary Maxon, Curator for the Rapid City Arts Council announced the call on January 10, 2012 stating that “this is an incredible opportunity for an artist, or team of artists, to create an important work of art which adds to the cultural and natural history of the region.

We are proud to continue our tradition of giving back to the community by supporting the Rapid City Soccer Complex. It's our goal to help bring this much-needed new 21-field soccer complex to the city. www.soccercomplex.net In 2011, our one-day charity event raised over $40,000 by simply dining at Sliders Bar & Grill, visiting the WaTiki Indoor Waterpark Resort or staying at the Fairfield Inn & Suites and LaQuinta Inn & Suites.

The Northwest Ranch Cowboy Association is on the move. The NRCA is leaving Gillette, Wyo., and taking its Rodeo Finals to Rapid City, November 25 – 27, 2011. According to those who helped bring the event to South Dakota, grant money from the Rapid City Sports Council is part of the reason why. “It was a big part of their decision,” says Pam Teller, Assistant General Manager of the Central States Fair and Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo.

Three weeks and 25,000 miles later, five teams competing in the Best of the Road contest — sponsored by Rand McNally in collaboration with USA TODAY — have turned in their maps and car keys, consulted with a panel of judges and come up with the winners: five towns full of friendly people, great scenery, terrific food, patriotic fervor and just plain fun. Selected from 30 nominees (each team visited the six in their category), the winners were announced Thursday at the Destination Marketing Association International's annual meeting in New Orleans. For more on the winning towns, the worthy also-rans and the teams that got to sample their charms, check out bestoftheroad.com.   Friendliest  Walla Walla, Wash.  Team that visited:  Jason and Nikki Wynn ("Gone with the Wynns") of Dallas, who were the winning team What made it stand out:  This southeastern Washington community may be famous for its sweet onions and growing wine industry, but those aren't the only things that put a smile on the Wynns' lips.

Recently, Rapid City was selected as a finalist in the nationally sponsored Rand McNally and USA Today “Best of the Road” contest. Through a voting process, thorough review, and captivating photos, Rapid City qualified in the category for ‘Most Patriotic’ Best Small Town in the United States.