April 17, 2026:
The Fort Pierre Tourism & Promotion Council has awarded a total of $12,500 in Event Grants to support a diverse lineup of events designed to attract visitors and strengthen the local tourism economy.
Funded events span a wide range of interests including rodeo, horse culture, outdoor recreation, heritage programming and competitive events.
These organizations received 2026 grants:
- Cedar Hill Cemetery (Historical Re-enactments July 2 at 10am and 2pm CT at the cemetery) – $1,000
- Central South Dakota Regional 4-H Rodeo – $1,500
- Sharpe Shooters Disc Golf (SD State Disc Golf Championship) – $1,500
- Verendrye Benevolent Association (Fort Pierre Horse Races) – $2,500
- Casey Tibbs Foundation (Casey Tibbs Match of Champions) – $2,000
- Street Masters (Dam Run) – $500
- SD Quarter Horse Association (Year of the Horse Convention and Banquet) – $2,250
- Oahe Wheelmen (Grassland Gravel Adventure Ride) – $1,250
The annual Event Grant program provides funding to organizations hosting events that bring travelers to Fort Pierre, encourage overnight stays, and enhance the community’s reputation as a regional destination. Awards are available for both new and expanding events that demonstrate clear tourism impact.
Jasmin Fosheim, who provides executive leadership for Fort Pierre Tourism, says each of these events plays an important role in telling Fort Pierre’s story and bringing people into the community. She says from long-standing traditions to new experiences, these investments help grow visitation and support local businesses.
For more information about Fort Pierre Tourism or upcoming events, go to VisitFortPierre.com or follow Visit Fort Pierre on social media.
March 11, 2026:
The Fort Pierre Tourism and Promotion Council (FPTPC) is accepting applications for its 2026 Event Grants.
These grants provide money to support new events, innovative projects, or the expansion of existing events that attract visitors to Fort Pierre, with a particular focus on increasing overnight stays at local hotels and accommodations. Grants range from $250 to $2,500 and require a 50% cash match.
Individuals, businesses and organizations promoting events in Fort Pierre are encouraged to apply by March 15, 2026. Applications are available at visitfortpierre.com and must include:
- a detailed budget,
- event goals,
- event history (if applicable),
- matching funds information, and
- marketing plans.
Grant applicants will be notified of approval or denial by April 15, via a notification letter.
For additional questions regarding the FPTPC 2026 Event Grants, please email fortpierrelife@gmail.com or call 605-412-8549.
In 2025, FPTPC awarded $10,000 across eight grant applications. Recipients included events such as:
- Oahe Wheelmen Bicycling Club’s Grassland Gravel,
- Casey Tibbs Match of Champions,
- SD 4-H Finals Rodeo,
- Pierre Street Masters Car Club Dam Run,
- Pierre Junior Shooters and
- Fort Pierre Horse Racing.
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