Once upon a time the Wild West Deadwood days included dusty streets filled with outlaws, cowboys, gold miners, gunslingers, businessmen, and prostitutes (also known as working girls, soiled doves, or painted ladies). When the law had no say, prostitution was commonplace, and men spent their days gold-panning or striving to run their business they brought forth to Deadwood during the year of a gold rush.

This was a time where men, prostitutes, livestock and the elements coexisted. The days of disorder in Deadwood are of the past, however; the rugged history of the lawless era still looms in Deadwood.

In Deadwood’s early days, the town illegally sat on Native American land issued by the government. The discovery of gold during General George Armstrong Custer’s 1874 expedition in the Black Hills changed everything. Evidence of gold discovery created rumors that wealth laid within every creek in the Black Hills.

All walks of life flocked to Deadwood. The area was populated by people invading the territory under illegal measures to pursue their fortunes. Between 1874 and 1877 the area flourished and up to 20,000 prospectors flooded the area. With such a high increase of population in such a short amount of time, government officials could do little to stop the rapid increase in population and eventually, their efforts stopped.

Life in the history of Deadwood wasn’t easy; men, livestock and the elements coexisted together in decrepit tents and buildings. The streets were full of mud, manure, rats, and garbage. Needless to say, it was not a lifestyle for the faint of heart. Miners were determined to gold pan in the unpredictable Dakota Territory climate, spending their free time drinking, playing poker, frequenting The Gem (a Deadwood saloon owned and operated by the merciless Al Swearengen where prize fights took place and stage acts performed, usually by prostitutes) or visiting the brothels. It is clear there was money flowing in Deadwood. The Gem prospered at an average of $5,000 per night and sometimes up to $10,000 per night. This was an enormous amount of money for the time period, not to mention these are numbers for this specific saloon alone and not including the others in Deadwood.

The women of Deadwood had an unfortunate and sad life as 90% were “painted ladies”. Many were lured to Deadwood in hopes of respectable employment, but instead, were trapped into being working girls. Eventually they found themselves stuck and enslaved to the brothels. Many of these women experienced violence, disease, and depression, and eventually turned to alcohol, drugs, and suicide.

Fires, floods, and crime plagues the history of Deadwood. However; the lawless times and rugged lifestyles slowly started to take a turn as respectful and reputable merchants, business men, and law enforcement officials from other areas settled into Deadwood. Soon, the streets calmed and order was put into place. The gold rush dwindled and gold seekers moved on to find their fortune in other areas. Some with a pioneering spirit decided to stay in the area and pursue their businesses. Families developed and schools appeared. Rather than being a rugged Wild West town, Deadwood became another town on the frontier filled with hopes and dreams. Today, Deadwood consists of about 1,380 people, a rather drastic cut from the 20,000+ that flocked to the area over 100 years ago, but a healthy community who embraces their history in the Wild West era. To experience the history of Deadwood, explore the Adams Museum, there you will find a plethora of historical treasures that highlight Deadwood’s past.

Deadwood, located in the Black Hills of South Dakota, has a lot to offer year round, however, some holidays there are special events spread throughout the town – including St. Patrick’s Day.

The festivities begin this year on Friday, March 15. The Leprechaun Olympics take place at various locations depending on the event. The first event starts at 7:00 pm and they continue until 10:00 pm, followed by the Leprechaun Olympic Award Ceremony. Beginning at 5:00 pm that evening open containers are allowed in certain parts of the town (in official cups only).

The fun continues on Saturday, March 16 with the annual pub crawl. Registration is from 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm with the crawl beginning at 3:00 pm. This event is only for those 21 and older. Awards for the pub crawl are given at 8:00 pm that evening. This pub crawl is one of the largest in the region with 1,200 participants expected. That’s a lot of green beer!

One of the highlights of the weekend is the St. Patrick’s Day in Deadwood Parade, which begins on Saturday evening at 7:00 pm on Deadwood’s Main Street. The parade is so popular and well attended, there is a second parade on Sunday, March 17 at 3:00 pm.

Throughout the weekend, there are open container allowances. These times are 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm on Friday, 2:00 pm to 10:00 pm Saturday, and all day on Sunday, March 17.

St. Patrick’s Day is held in honor of the St. Patrick. Early images of Saint Patrick often depict him driving snakes out of Ireland. However, he is credited with converting Ireland to Christianity in the 5th Century. March 17th marks the anniversary of his death.

The first St. Patrick’s Day parade was held by early Irish immigrants to the United States in Boston, Massachusetts in 1737. In 1762 another parade tradition began in New York City, thus beginning several parade celebrations annually.

Even those without Irish roots get into celebrating on St. Patrick’s Day. Some Irish pubs fill up soon after they open on March 17th. The city of Chicago uses vegetable dye to turn the Chicago River a toxic shade of green for a few hours every year. In Great Britain it is the tradition to wear shamrocks on St. Patrick’s Day. In Ireland, St. Patrick’s Day allowed for a break from Lenten prohibitions including feasting and dancing. A common feast consisted of corned beef and cabbage along with Irish bacon. This traditional feast carried into the United States with Irish immigrants.

No matter what your tradition or way of celebration, it is hard to not get caught up in the excitement of the day’s festivities. St. Patrick’s Day in Deadwood offers some fun activities for the Irish and also those who are only Irish for a day. Make it a weekend and stay at a great Deadwood hotel such as Cadillac Jack’s to complete the experience.

Slainte!

If you are in Deadwood, South Dakota to enjoy some gaming, do not forget to check out what nature has to offer in this ponderosa pine covered area. The trail offers a chance to get outdoors – from a leisurely walk to an intense workout, the Mickelson Trail allows you to soak in the sights and smells of the Black Hills.

The George S. Mickelson Trail is a packed gravel path that stretches almost the entire length of the Black Hills, about 109 miles, from Deadwood to Edgemont on an abandoned railway line, along with an additional nine miles of branch trails. This scenic path includes four tunnels, more than 100 converted railroad bridges, and unparalleled views of the landscape. In 1998 efforts were completed to convert this once functional Burlington Northern operated railway line into trails maintained by the South Dakota Fame, Fish and Parks Commission. The trail is named after George S. Mickelson, the South Dakota governor who assisted in spearheading the project.

There are a variety of activities to take advantage of on the trail, other than walking and hiking. The Mickelson Trail passes through the small towns of Hill City, Custer, and Deadwood where bicycle rentals and horseback trail riding outfitters are offered.

The trail has 15 different trail heads that offer parking, water and restroom facilities. Some of the trail heads have small picnic shelters. The entire length of the trail still meets railroad standards for grade, so most of it does not exceed 4%, however, there are parts that are considered strenuous especially in the northern section, so a bit of pre-planning depending on your individual needs should be considered.

While adventuring along the Mickelson Trail, there is a good chance that you will come across some South Dakota wildlife. Care should be taken if an encounter happens, as some can be dangerous. Mountain lions, rattlesnakes and big horn sheep can become aggressive if startled. There are also free range cattle that can be found on or crossing the trail that could also become aggressive or spooked to a stampede if they are frightened. You may also catch a glimpse of deer, elk, turkeys and beavers which are generally more elusive of humans and more apt to hide upon your passing. Gardner snakes and grass snakes enjoy sunning themselves on the warm trail bed, so it’s a good idea to keep a peripheral eye on the ground.

The trail holds several racing events annually, including the Deadwood-Mickelson Trail Marathon and the Run Crazy Horse Marathon. For bicyclists, the annual Mickelson Trail Trek is a three day ride that covers almost the entire expanse of the trail.

There is a small fee for a trail pass that you may purchase for one day, or you may purchase an annual pass. These can be found at self service stations along the trail, from authorized vendors, or online.

Next time you are enjoying some gaming in Deadwood, don’t forget to check out the surrounding beauty and splendor that is the Black Hills. A great place to do this is on the nearby Mickelson Trail.

For spring break, many people head somewhere warm and maybe even tropical. However, there is something to be said for spring break in the mountains. The Black Hills of Western South Dakota offer plenty of fun at a price that will not break the spring break budget.

If you want to bring your skis or snowboard on spring break, you will be happy to know that you have two options. Terry Peak and Deer Mountain are both in close proximity to Deadwood in the Northern Hills to take advantage of the Black Hills powder. Both slopes offer trails of varying difficulty so that there is something for the novice or the expert.

If skiing and snowboarding are not your passion, Deer Mountain also offers the Zero Gravity Tube Park, where you can cruise down the mountain on an inflatable tube and be towed back up by the tube tow rope.

The nightlife in Deadwood has plenty to offer. Casinos line this historical western town’s Main Street. Seated at the base of Deadwood’s Main Street is one of the best hotel’s for spring break fun, Cadillac Jack’s. For those that like to gamble, the casino holds poker tournaments and slot tourneys galore. On Friday and Saturday nights, the ladies of Blush perform an aerialist show over the brand new Black Jack pit. Located adjacent to the casino is the Brown Rock Sports Café where they serve breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. The sports themed restaurant has eight 70’ high definition televisions so that you don’t miss a moment of the action during your favorite team’s game. This Deadwood casino also has a full service bar to mix your favorite cocktail, or pour a frosty cold beverage.

Cadillac Jack’s offers hotel amenities just steps off of the casino floor. These comfortable rooms have pillow top beds, high definition television, and high speed internet access. Adjoining rooms are available for those traveling in larger groups.

While you are in the area of Deadwood, there are sights to see within about a one hour drive. Mount Rushmore is located in Keystone, South Dakota which is located 50 miles south of Deadwood. Crazy Horse Memorial, a sculpture in progress, is located not too far from Mount Rushmore. The Black Hills even offers a variety of wineries and breweries to sample some local flavors.

So if you choose a mountain spring break over one on the beach, consider the Black Hills an ideal destination.

Mardi Gras conjures images in our minds of beads flying through the air, rowdy celebration, brightly colored parades and people, and happy faces. While this may be what the Mardi Gras of today is like, how did it begin?

The first Mardi Gras in North America did not occur under American rule but more accurately under French rule. In 1704, France’s King Louis XIV ordered the brothers Iberville and Bienville LeMoyne to sail from France to defend their territories, which include the areas that now include Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Upon arriving, the LeMoyne brothers found the mouth of a river known as the Mississippi River, and sailed upstream for a few miles until they located the perfect place to build a colony. This area was designated Point du Mardi Gras.

From these origins a culture of French ancestors known as the Creole population of the Bayous began, and each year thousands of people become honorary Creoles during Mardi Gras celebrations held throughout the United States.

Mardi Gras, which translates in French to “Fat Tuesday,” officially begins the day before Ash Wednesday. The day is also commonly referred to as Shrove Tuesday or Pancake Day and can occur anytime between February 3rd and March 9th, depending on when Easter is celebrated that particular year. Originally a one day event, as the popularity of the occasion has grown in some parts of the world, and so has the length of the celebration. The Mardi Gras in Deadwood festivities of 2013 will be February 8th and 9th.

One of those celebrations is the Rio de Janeiro Carnival that is held in Brazil, for two weeks prior to the fasting period in the Christian calendar known as Lent. Brazil’s Carnival is similar to the American celebration in many ways – lots of food, parades and festivity, it also incorporates much Samba dancing, giving the party a distinctive Brazilian flare.

Many other locations in the United States hold similar celebrations in the same time frame, including Deadwood, South Dakota. Outside of the States, other countries have also embraced this reason for festivity including Venice in Italy, Mazatlan in Mexico, and throughout many cities in Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean.

Mardi Gras today is about people from all walks of life coming together to celebrate the things that make them different, but with the mutual understanding that everyone wants to be able to celebrate their individuality unified under the umbrella of “Mardi Gras.”

So no matter where you may find yourself this Mardi Gras season, turn up the Zydeco music, eat some jambalaya and take a few moments to celebrate your own unique qualities and how you fit into the big tapestry of life.

ISIS Hospitality, L.L.C., has announced that it will once again be holding Isis Gives Back in order to benefit various local charities. On Saturday, January 12, 2013, the WaTiki Indoor Waterpark Resort and its premiere hotels, the Fairfield Inn and Suites and LaQuinta Inn and Suites, including Sliders Bar and Grill, will donate 100% of gross sales to designated beneficiaries.

Caleb Arceneaux, Chief Executive Officer of Isis Hospitality, L.L.C., said, “In 2012 our out-of-town guests and local contributors raised over $52,000. For 2013, we are proud to continue our tradition of giving back by supporting our local community.”

The recipients of this year’s event are:

Arete Morsching Scholarship Fund
Rapid City BMX, Inc.
Soccer Rapid City
Dahl Arts Center
Rapid City Boys Club
United Way
Box Elder Neighbor Works

“We feel that it is very important that all of us embrace the idea of giving back and contributing to the community in which we live,” explained Arceneaux. “We make it easy to participate – by simply staying in a hotel room, playing at the Waterpark or eating at the restaurant, a contribution is made.”

If you would like to be a part of this special day, reservations can be made online at www.rapidcityfairfield.com or www.rapidcitylaquinta.com. If you prefer, you may call 1-866-928-4543.