Buffalo Chip Freedom Celebration Adds Ride, Welcomes Air Force Band and Dignitaries

Sturgis, SD (May 30, 2014) – A special American freedom celebration has been planned to honor our nation’s veterans and raise funds for organizations benefiting veterans and their families at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip in 2014. The Buffalo Chip’s 23rd annual Freedom Celebration will be held on Thursday, Aug. 7 and include a full day of powerful presentations, inspiring performances and moving exhibits. For the first time, festivities will also include a special charity ride, sponsored by the City of Spearfish. The Freedom Celebration Ride departs from Main Street, Spearfish and concludes with a celebration at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip®. The ride, led by retired Navy SEAL, LT Jason Redman, will lead participants on a route across the scenic high plains and foothills north of the Black Hills. Upon arrival at the Buffalo Chip, riders will be welcomed in by an impressive display of 800 flags, Battlefield Cross, Memorial Wall and a host of meaningful events planned to honor those currently serving, those who have served and those who have fallen.

Opening ceremonies on Spearfish Main Street will feature a number of dignitaries and honorees including Brigitte Gabriel, a Lebanese American journalist, author and activist. Gabriel is one of the world’s leading terrorism experts, serving as a regular guest analyst on the Fox News Channel, CNN and MSNBC, along with various radio stations across America. She is the author of two New York Times Best Sellers and was named one of the top 50 most prominent speakers in America. 

Additional dignitaries joining the Freedom Celebration Ride include:

  • Debbie Lee, Mother of Mark Lee, the first Navy SEAL killed in Iraq and CEO of America’s Mighty Warriors 
  • Jason Redman, retired Navy SEAL, author of “The Trident” and CEO of Wounded Wear and Jumping for a Purpose
  • Richard (Dick) Marcinko, the first Commander of SEAL Team 6, best-selling fiction author, talk radio show host and military consultant
  • Kim Dozier, AP correspondent covering intelligence & counterterrorism severely injured in IED blast in Iraq that killed the Army Captain she was interviewing and her film crew, Author of “Breathing the Fire”
  • Other dignitaries and honorees will be announced as confirmed

A $50 donation is required to participate in the ride and may be paid at registration or online at rallytickets.com. One hundred percent of ride fee donations benefit veteran’s organizations: Wounded Wear/Jumping for a Purpose, Navy Special Warfare Kids, America’s Mighty Warriors and the Community Living Center at Fort Meade VAMC. 

Parking will be available on Spearfish Main Street between Jackson Blvd. and Illinois St. Spearfish businesses will offer special discounts for riders and the U.S. Air Force Academy’s country band, Wild Blue Country will present a free concert on Main Street.  

The celebration will continue at the CrossRoads at the Buffalo Chip® with a brief program and catered reception. Celebrities, dignitaries and authors will be available for autographs. A group photo will be taken at the Buffalo Chip’s Field of Flags, and guests may also take photos at the American Veterans Traveling Tribute Memorial Wall and Battlefield Cross. 

Freedom Celebration festivities will continue in the Buffalo Chip amphitheater between performances by Pop Evil and Train. Wild Blue Country will perform the National Anthem on the main stage, then the Buffalo Chip will present checks to the veteran’s organizations. The Chip will also present the Bob Hanson Distinguished Service Award to a yet-to-be-named honoree of national stature. Past recipients of this award include John McCain, and the families of Tyrone Woods and Glen Doherty, two Navy SEALs slain while saving many lives in the attack on the American Embassy in Benghazi. Those wishing to participate in the activities in the amphitheater may do so by purchasing a campground admission pass.

Event Schedule:

10:00am – 1:00pm – Parking and registration begins for riders

11:30 – 1:00pm – Wild Blue Country performs in Spearfish for the ride kick-off

1:00pm- 1:15pm – Introductions of dignitaries

1:15 pm – 1:30pm – Main St. Ride group photo

1:30 pm – 1:45pm – Ride lineup

1:45pm – Ride to Buffalo Chip departs Spearfish

3:00PM – Ride arrives at Buffalo Chip 

3:30 PM – Welcome greeting, brief remarks from charities, celebrity meet-and-greets and book signings

4:30 PM – Catered reception at the CrossRoads at the Buffalo Chip. 

5:30 PM  – Riders are free to attend other activities, including the Rat’s Hole custom bike show and live music at the CrossRoads or continue the celebration in the Buffalo Chip’s main amphitheater (additional campground admission passes are available).

7:00 pm – Pistol Day Parade performance on Buffalo Chip main stage

8:30 pm – Pop Evil performance on Buffalo Chip main stage

10:00 – 10:30 PM – Wild Blue Country National Anthem performance, Freedom Celebration Ride check presentation and Bob Hanson Distinguished Service Award presentation on Buffalo Chip main stage

10:30 pm – Train takes the main stage

More information about the Buffalo Chip Freedom Celebration can be found at buffalochip.com

2024 Sturgis Buffalo Chip

Pre-Rally Party Jul. 29–Aug. 1
Concerts Aug. 2–Aug. 11

2025 Sturgis Buffalo Chip

Pre-Rally Party Jul. 28–Jul. 31
Concerts Aug. 1–Aug. 10

Contact Us

Cody Ertman
[email protected]
Office: 605-347-9000