Being the face of the Sturgis Buffalo Chip® is highly sought-after gig any year. But as the Best Party Anywhere® approaches its historic 40th anniversary, the competition for the title of Buffalo Chip Poster Model has never been as high. For months, beautiful women have been showing up to Black Hills establishments in droves to participate in the 2021 Buffalo Chip Poster Model Search presented by Truly Hard Seltzer and Fozzy’s Cycle Shop at the Buffalo Chip Garage. Now, after giving judges a near impossible decision during the semifinals hosted by XRock, we can finally introduce you to the best of the best.
MEET THE 2021 POSTER MODEL SEARCH FINALISTS!
Be sure to tell us who you think the winner should be in the comments section below!
Akisha
Age: 25
Occupation: Bartender
Hometown: McLaughlin, SD
Bar Where She Qualified: Robbinsdale Lounge – Rapid City, SD
What is your favorite hobby?
Creating—art, jewelry, painting, crafts, photography, etc.
Have you ever attended a concert at the Buffalo Chip? If so, what was it?
Attended dozens over the years. Favorite will always be the Lynyrd Skynyrd Farewell Tour or John Fogerty.
If you could hold any world record, what would you want it to be?
I would love to hold a record for most countries visited..
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Never look down on someone unless you are helping them up!
Camille
Age: 24
Occupation: Tattoo Artist & Bartender
Hometown: Sundance, WY
Bar Where She Qualified: Dime Horseshoe Bar, Sundance, WY
What is your favorite band?
Queens of the Stone Age
Do you have any secret talents?
I can make a really good bird call with my hands.
What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten?
A grasshopper with teriyaki sauce.
If you won the lottery tomorrow, what’s the first thing you’d do?
Convert a bus and live on the road.
Chan
Age: 35
Occupation: Phlebotomist
Hometown: Rapid City, SD
Bar Where She Qualified: Paddy O’Neil’s Pub – Rapid City, SD
Have you ever attended a concert at the Buffalo Chip?
My approximate calculations say I have seen around 300 performances at the Chip!
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
You don’t have to hold onto the pain to hold onto the memories.
What would you do if you were invisible for a day?
I would be karma’s assistant. Didn’t put your shopping cart away? Now it’s behind your car! Paid for the person behind you at the drive thru? Somebody’s getting extra tacos!
Why do you want to be the 2021 Buffalo Chip Poster Model? Home is where the heart is, and my heart lives at the Chip. I have made the best friends and had the greatest adventures out there. Every year I can’t wait to discover what awaits. I feel like all the best parts of me come out and shine when I am out there. I would love to be the 2021 Poster model because my heart and would would be at their best, and I want to be the best me I can be. The Chip and my Chip famly have uplifted me in so many ways, it would truly be an honor to provide the phenomenal representation they deserve!
Channa
Age: 27
Occupation: Bartender/Business Graduate
Hometown: Lake Tahoe, CA
Bar Where She Qualified: Knuckle Saloon – Sturgis, SD
What are three words that describe your personality
Adventurous, humble, mischievous
Do you have any secret talents?
Skeet shooting
What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten?
Cow tongue stew
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Kill ’em with kindness
Dani
Age: 31
Occupation: Brain Injury Rehab Specialis
Hometown: Rapid City, SD
Bar Where She Qualified: Robbinsdale Lounge – Rapid City, SD
What are three words that describe your personality?
Confident, outgoing, ambitious
What’s your spirit animal?
A snake. When you leave me alone, I’m happy and content. But when you treat me bad, I will strike.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Collect moments, not things.
What is the best thing to ever happen to you?
Got accepted into nursing school
Em
Age: 32
Occupation: Registered Nurse and Lady Rider
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Bar Where She Qualified: Robbinsdale Lounge – Rapid City, SD
Describe your favorite outfit.
I am a lover of all things vintage and an old soul who was born in the wrong generation You can almost always expect me to be wearing a hat because helmet hair is my jam.
If you could hold any world record, what would you want it to be?
I would love to be the first Poster Model to ride her own motorcycle in all three charity events at the Chip, including the Legends Ride, Biker Belles and Rusty Wallace Ride. Empowering women in motorsports, being a good role model and giving back to my community are things I am passionate about.
Do you have any secret talents?
I am a jack of trades and master of none. I cook, bake, sew, serve the Black Hills as a nurse, spin wrenches with my husband in the garage, and ride motorcycles. Basically, your average “Biker Betty Crocker.”
What would you do if you were invisible for a day?
I would go around and perform random acts of kindness to improve everyone’s day. As a nurse, I took an oath to make people feel better and put smiles on faces.
Jess
Age: 33
Occupation: Bartender and Dog Trainer
Hometown: Gillette, WY
Bar Where She Qualified: Sundance Lounge – Gillette, WY
What is your favorite hobby?
Singing! I love a good night full of good music and karaoke!
Have you ever attended a concert at the Buffalo Chip?
I have been going to the Chip for the last 12 years. I spend 15 days there every year. It is my happy place! Seeing Buckcherry is one of my favorite concerts. Also, Collective Sul was amazing!
If you could hold any world record, what would you want it to be?
Fastest time to eat all the chocolates from an advent calendar because who doesn’t love chocolate?
If you won the lottery tomorrow, what’s the first thing you’d do?
I would buy enough land to save all the stray dogs in the world!
Kalen
Age: 22
Occupation: Barista/Bartender
Hometown: Crawford, NE
Bar Where She Qualified: Knuckle Saloon – Sturgis, SD
What are three words that describe your personality?
Loyal, fearless and hardworking
Where do you go when you want to have fun and cut loose?
Deadwood for the weekend!
Describe your fantasy motorcycle ride.
Cruising through Custer State Park on the Wildlife Loop.
Do you have any secret talents?
I can do the belly roll and a handstand.
Kathryn
Age: 21
Occupation: Patient Access Specialist
Hometown: Lacky City, FL
Bar Where She Qualified: Cheers Lounge – Rapid City, SD
What does your dream house look like?
CA simple, modern farmhouse with a lot of land, plenty of garage space and lots of animals.
If you could uninvent any invention, what would it be?
A spoon. I will avoid using a spoon if I can.
If you won the lottery tomorrow, what’s the first thing you’d do?
Fly home to see my family and friends.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Take care of yourself before you attempt to take care of others.
Lori
Age: 46
Occupation: Farmer, House Flipper, Woodworker, Dance/Gymnastics Coach, Traveling Bartender
Hometown: Lawrence, KS
Bar Where She Qualified: Paddy O’Neill’s Pub – Rapid City, SD
What is your favorite hobby?
Making old things new again! I am a woodworker and crafter and refurbish old items.
If you won the lottery tomorrow, what’s the first thing you’d do?
The obvious is to invest first! But I would definitely give back to the charities that were so giving to us. I am a widow of an Army Ranger. Wounded Warriors had a huge impact on helping us when we needed it. I would make a huge donation to help homeless veterans in honor of Mike!
What would you do if you were invisible for a day?
I would go to a department store and rearrange the mannequins to look like they were alive and moving.
Why do you want to be the 2021 Buffalo Chip Poster Model?
Buffalo Chip was there for me at my lowest point in my life. After I was widowed, I decided one day to start living life again and ventured out on my own to Sturgis with nothing but a few dollars and a suitcase. Immediately, I felt at home at the Chip! I have met so many amazing lifelong friends here, and it has given me so many wonderful opportunities. I want to continue to be a role model and inspiration to women my age and remind them that life is what you make of it. I am living proof you can rise from the ashes and live your best life. It takes effort and work, but with a positive mindset, anything is possible! Being a part of this platform allows me more opportunities to continue to inspire women. I would be honored to be the Poster Model for the Buffalo Chip…not only physically, but a mental role model, as well! It would mean the world to me!
Manda
Age: 32
Occupation: Cocktail Waitress
Hometown: Spearfish, SD
Bar Where She Qualified: Valley Sports Bar – Rapid City, SD
Describe your favorite outfit.
Little black dress
Do you have any secret talents?
I sometimes know what I’m doing.
Name one experience that’s on your bucket list.
One thing on my bucket list is to wrestle an alligator.
If you could uninvent any invention, what would it be?
I think we should uninvent that giant burger statue in Rapid City.
Contestant Submitted Photo
Rhianna
Age: 28
Occupation: Systems Analyst
Hometown: Denver, CO
Bar Where She Qualified: Valley Sports Bar – Rapid City, SD
Who is your favorite singer?
P!nk! Her lyrics are incredibly relatable, and she rides a GORGEOUS Indian Motorcycle!
Do you have any secret talents?
I am a pretty sweet breakdancer.
If you could uninvent any invention, what would it be?
Autocorrect for sure! More of a pain than a help. “Fixing” my curse words since 2005.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Stop waiting for things to happen, go out and MAKE them happen.
Contestant Submitted Photo
Saige
Age: 31
Occupation: X-Ray Tech/Owner of Sky Dancing Aerial Studio LLC
Hometown: Rapid City, SD
Bar Where She Qualified: Valley Sports Bar – Rapid City, SD
Describe your fantasy motorcycle ride.
I really want to make a Hwy 1 trip all along the coast of California.
What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten?
Kobe beef in Japan
If you could uninvent any invention, what would it be?
Plastic, because it creates so much waste in the oceans.
Why do you want to be the 2021 Buffalo Chip Poster Model?
I want to be the 2021 Buffalo Chip Poster Model because I’m looking to pursue future modeling career opportunities and to be a part of Buffalo Chip history. I would love to be a motorcycle and/or car model since I’m passionate about both.
Sarah
Age: 26
Occupation: Engineer
Hometown: Buckley, WA
Bar Where She Qualified: The J Bar – Rapid City, SD
What are three words that describe your personality?
Tenacious, Strong, Hardworking.
What is your favorite hobby?
Archery
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
The mightiest oak in the forest began its journey as a seed that held its ground.
Why do you want to be the 2021 Buffalo Chip Poster Model?
This year has been crazy…between the pandemic and social and cultural rights equality movements, there is a sense of uncertainty. Events of this nature have an ability to bring people together. I would love to help in the effort of spreading positivity, joy and a sense of shared pride. As a community, we need this more than ever.
Shamee
Age: 30
Occupation: Waitress and CNA
Hometown: Aberdeen, SD
Bar Where She Qualified: Kickstands – Sturgis, SD
What are three words that describe your personality?
Outgoing, Friendly, Approachable
If you could hold any world record, what would you want it to be?
Fastest arena time at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo because barrel racing is my passion!
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Learn how to clap for your damn self.
Why do you want to be the 2021 Buffalo Chip Poster Model?
My friend, Paul Mitchell, just passed away, and he said I’d make a great representation of the Buffalo Chip Poster Model! I have a big heart, and I’m super fun. We always had something to laugh about, so I’m doing this for him.
Taylor
Age: 27
Occupation: Nurse
Hometown: Custer, SD
Bar Where She Qualified: Paddy O’Neill’s Pub – Rapid City, SD
Do you have any secret talents?
I used to work in a magic show. I know lots of secrets and many talents, but legit can’t tell you about them.
Name one experience that’s on your bucket list.
Swim with the wild pigs on Pig Beach island in the Bahamas
What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten?
I recently babysat for some family and had my 4 year old cousin offer me some Playdough spaghetti. I had to try it.
What would you do if you were invisible for a day?
Hang out at the White House and hear all the dirty secrets.
Contestant Submitted Photo
Trish
Age: 30
Occupation: Mother and Soon-to-Be Culinary Student
Hometown: Kingman, AZ
Bar Where She Qualified: Kickstands – Sturgis, SD
Describe your favorite outfit.
My favorite outfit never comes without leather boots or jacket.
What is your spirit animal?
My spirit animal is The Phoenix because after all the trials in my life, I always rise from the ashes standing stronger and wiser.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Release the idea that things could’ve been any other way. There is no need to try to make sense of the past because the present is what matters the most. We all make choices and things happen, but we all must move on.
Why do you want to be the 2021 Buffalo Chip Poster Model?
I want to become the Buffalo Chip Poster Model for 2021 because it’s a great opportunity to work with some pretty amazing and fun people. Also, it’s a pretty big year for the Buffalo Chip this year, being it’s the 40th anniversary. That means it’s going to be one of the biggest years yet, and it would be the best time to be the face of the biggest and best party anywhere during the rally. This is also my third year running, so hoping third time’s a charm!
Contestant Submitted Photo
Verona
Age: 27
Occupation: Assistant Manager at T-Mobile
Hometown: Lancaster, CA
Bar Where She Qualified: Robbinsdale Lounge – Rapid City, SD
If you could hold any world record, what would you want it to be?
Most Cheeto Puffs eaten in 20 seconds. Why? I like Cheeto Puffs, and it would be a cool flex at parties.
What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten?
Deep fried rabbit heart. My brother thought he was clever, but I knew what it was.
If you could uninvent any invention, what would it be?
I would uninvent Facebook, hands down. Nothing should have that much power or influence on others.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
That it’s ok to make mistakes. It’s all a part of learning. We are all human, and no one is perfect.
WANT TO SEE MORE?
Cheer on your favorite contestants as they strut across the stage at Rapid City’s Robbinsdale Lounge in biker attire, Americana wear and bikinis during the Poster Model Finals on June 26, 2021!
In the meantime, you can also get up close and personal with past Poster Model Search contestants and see how they stack up with this year’s in the Sturgis Rider News Blog articles below.
Which one of these biker babes do you think should become the 2020 Poster Model?
Presented by the Sturgis Buffalo Chip
Known as The Best Party Anywhere®, the Legendary Buffalo Chip believes festivals should be fun like a high five, reenergize you like a broken rule, and romance you like someone you just met and want to kiss.
This nine-day festival of concerts and motorcycle events promises to bring you exciting live performances from artists like Aerosmith, Willie Nelson, Five Finger Death Punch, Kid Rock, Rob Zombie, “Weird Al” Yankovic, Toby Keith, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Mötley Crüe, Miranda Lambert, 3 Doors Down, ZZ Top, Sublime with Rome, Slash, and many more.
The Best Party Anywhere remains one of the most televised festivals in the world and has been featured on the Travel Channel, the Discovery Channel, CMT Bike Week, HISTORY, TLC, National Geographic and more.
Learn more at www.buffalochip.com.
