More women than ever before showed up and showed out for the Buffalo Chip Poster Model Search in 2024, and with good reason! Thanks to sponsors Twisted Tea, Pepsi, Fozzy’s Cycle Shop, High Seas Rally, Snap-on Tools of the Black Hills, Silverado Franklin and XRock, this year’s winner will be going home with over $16,000 in cash and prizes, in addition to becoming the face of the Sturgis Buffalo Chip for 2024. Out of hundreds of contestants, these 24 women will be moving forward to the finals hosted by XRock on May 4, 2024.
MEET THE 2024 POSTER MODEL SEARCH FINALISTS!
Be sure to tell us who you think the winner should be in the comments section below!
Alaura C.
Age: 27
Occupation: Full-Time Animal Mom
Qualifying Bar: Kickstands – Sturgis, SD
Hometown: Montana Grown
Where do you go when you want to have fun and cut loose?
The closest bar to my favorite fishing hole.
What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten?
My dad dared me to eat a live worm once, and it was nasty.
Who’s one person you’d be starstruck by if you got to meet them?
I think I would be starstruck if I was able to meet George Strait. There are so many songs of his that I absolutely love. I would ask him to sing me my favorite song by him.
If you could hold any world record, what would you want it to be, and why?
The biggest brown trout caught out of the Musselshell River in Montana, because I have put in a lot of time fishing that river. My family has property there and I have been fishing it since I was a kid.
Alex A.
Age: 22
Occupation: Wedding DJ/Executive Assistant
Qualifying Bar: The Valley Sports Bar – Rapid City, SD
Hometown: Hot Springs, SD
If you could be a rockstar for a day, who would you be, and why?
Pat Benatar! Being able to sing and have the skill she has?? It would be unreal!
Can you tell us about a time when you took a risk and it paid off?
When I first applied to the DJ company I work for, I had applied for a different position within the company, but they had liked my personality so they asked if I wanted to try out being a professional emcee! I tried it out, turns out I’m good at it, and I have been with them for two years now! My favorite job I’ve ever had.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Take those chances! Try out for that job, ask that guy out, dance with that stranger! If you do not step out of your comfort zone you won’t experience life the way you’re supposed to!
What is the best thing that has ever happened to you?
The best thing that has ever happened to me is being a military kid! If I wasn’t raised within the military, I wouldn’t have had half of the experiences and opportunities that I’ve had in life. I’m very blessed for the things that have happened and will happen in my life because of them.
Amanda D.
Age: 35
Occupation: Ranch
Qualifying Bar: 445 Martini Lounge – Rapid City, SD
Hometown: Hermosa, SD
What is your favorite hobby?
Showing horses.
Can you tell us about a time when you took a risk and it paid off?
Hauling my horse 1000 miles or more for shows.
What do you love most about the motorcycle community?
People from all walks of life have a common interest and it brings them together.
Why do you want to be the 2024 Buffalo Chip Poster Model?
I want to push myself to do new things and meet new people. You don’t grow as a person by doing the same things all the time.
Bheejhay U.
Age: 45
Occupation: Secretary by Day, Volunteer Firefighter by Night
Qualifying Bar: Knuckle Saloon – Sturgis, SD
Hometown: Philippines
If you could be a rockstar for a day, who would you be, and why?
Pink – because of her confidence and her lyrics speak to me!
What do you love most about the motorcycle community?
They are the most generous, loving, understanding and fun people! And the art (tattoo) on their bodies is one of a kind! Each art is special to the individual that tells of their unique stories, and I LOVE hearing them!
What is the best thing that has ever happened to you?
My three children! They are both a pain and a blessing at the same time! They taught me to love unconditionally.
Why do you want to be the 2024 Buffalo Chip Poster Model?
A model is a standard or example for imitation or inspiration, I want to be that for women of all ages. I want to inspire everyone I come in contact with that I can do anything if I put my mind into it! The friendships, the experience – priceless!
Cassandra I.
Age: 32
Occupation: Direct Support Specialist
Qualifying Bar: 445 Martini Lounge – Rapid City, SD
Hometown: Box Elder SD
Where do you go when you want to have fun and cut loose?
My dance partner and I go social swing dancing either the Moose Lodge, Canyon Lake Community Center or The Park.
Who/what is your favorite singer/band?
Limp Bizkit for my first ever mosh pit last summer and Puddle of Mudd because I met the lead singer and drummer last summer! I also love Stevie Nicks and Blondie!
Can you tell us about a time when you took a risk and it paid off?
This past fall, I competed in my first swing dance competition and only had a few months to prepare! We took third place and had the best time ever!
Why do you want to be the 2024 Buffalo Chip Poster Model?
I would love to be the face of the Buffalo Chip for 2024! Born and raised in our area, I enjoy the opportunity it provides as a platform to empower women to thrive and uplift the motorcycle community. The Buffalo Chip is the #1 spot to be, and I am honored to compete for this title. The Buffalo Chip brings in the best talent year after year, providing a safe place to come together!
Cayla K.
Age: 22
Occupation: Bartender/Server at Ruby Tuesdays
Qualifying Bar: Deadwood Tobacco Company – Deadwood, SD
Hometown: Rapid City, South Dakota
What is your favorite hobby?
I have a few hobbies that I enjoy doing to unwind and feel better on days I don’t feel the best, such as gardening, playing games, dancing, and art but my absolute favorite would have to be working out or doing gymnastics. It gives me something to look forward to every day and keeps my mind off my stresses for the time being. I feel best when doing it and I love the adrenaline I get when I hit a new personal record or gain a new skill.
What’s your favorite way to break the ice with someone you just met?
My favorite way to break the ice would have to be simply giving someone a compliment and a smile. It creates a chain reaction and maybe change someone’s whole day around. You never know what someone’s going through so you should choose to be kind.
Name one experience that’s on your bucket list.
One experience I’d like to have is with my mother, she grew up in Great Britain and hasn’t been there since she was 17. She’s 61 now and talks about how much she would absolutely love to go back and see how it’s changed. I would love to experience that with her and see the joy on her face.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
The best piece of advice I’ve ever received is “Find people who speak your love language so you don’t spend a lifetime translating your soul.” Surround yourself with people who truly love and care for you and that’s worth more than any dollar amount. “For what’s money without happiness? Or hard times without the people you love?”
Danielle C.
Age: 27
Occupation: Equine Massage Therapist
Qualifying Bar: Valley Sports Bar – Rapid City, SD
Hometown: Rapid City, SD
Can you tell us about a time when you took a risk and it paid off?
Seven months ago, I took the risk to move from Florida back to South Dakota after many years to start all over and pursue my horse career and it’s very much so paying off!
What do you love most about the motorcycle community?
I love that I always feel very safe and protected while I’m working the rallies. They are always the most kind and respectful people but will also always make sure the girls are safe and taken care of!
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Worry does not take away tomorrow’s troubles, it takes away today’s peace.
Why do you want to be the 2024 Buffalo Chip Poster Model?
It would be an honor to be able to represent a business that has had such a big impact on the biker community, and it’s always been a dream of mine!
Dawn H.
Age: 32
Occupation: Salon Owner/Hairstylist
Qualifying Bar: Robbinsdale Lounge – Rapid City, SD
Hometown: Rapid City, SD
What is your favorite hobby?
I’m obsessed with cinema, particularly indie films and psychological thrillers. Discovering A24 films changed my life.
Who’s one person you’d be starstruck by if you got to meet them?
I will forever fangirl over Danny Devito. He’s my spirit animal. I fully plan to tattoo his face on my body someday.
What’s your favorite way to break the ice with someone you just met?
As someone who is repulsed by small talk, I prefer to inquire about their thoughts on aliens or the most recent conspiracy theory.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
“If you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room.”
Deb W.
Age: 60
Occupation: Homesteading
Qualifying Bar: J Bar – Rapid City, SD
Hometown: Deerfield, SD
Have you ever attended a concert at the Buffalo Chip? If so, what was it?
I’ve been to every one for the last 9 years.
Who/what is your favorite singer/band?
It’s really hard to pick just one, I would say Pink Floyd but live lately would be Shinedown.
If you won the lottery tomorrow, what’s the first thing you’d do?
Buy a Twisted Tea for everyone at the Chip.
What do you love most about the motorcycle community?
The way they care for each other, for women and children, for veterans and those suffering with mental health issues.
Denaye A.
Age: 32
Occupation: Aesthetic Advisor
Qualifying Bar: Gold Pan Saloon – Custer, SD
Hometown: Denver, CO
What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten?
I’d have to say gator. I lived in Louisiana very briefly and anything is good when you fry it and dip it in some sort of mayo-based sauce. 10/10 I would absolutely eat it again.
What do you love most about the motorcycle community?
The motorcycle community is fairly new to me, but when I was introduced last summer while I was bartending, I was really surprised at how kind everyone was. In my experience when people come out for the rally, they’re looking to make friends, treat the waitstaff well, and have a good time. Every interaction I have with this community has left me impressed, and I’m happy to dive further in this summer!
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
My favorite quote is: “Taking on a challenge is a lot like riding a horse, isn’t it? If you’re comfortable while you’re doing it, you’re probably doing it wrong.”
– Ted Lasso
Doing new things isn’t supposed to be easy, and it’s made me much more confident when I go out of my comfort zone and do something new. For instance, a Poster Model Competition.
Why do you want to be the 2024 Buffalo Chip Poster Model?
The Buffalo Chip is iconic, and the idea of being involved in something so huge is really exciting for me. It would be an honor to represent the Buffalo Chip in such a cool way, and I’d be thrilled if chosen. I’ve also made new friends even just during the preliminaries, and I can’t wait to meet more people in this community.
Haley H.
Age: 24
Occupation: Bartender
Qualifying Bar: Valley Sports Bar – Rapid City, SD
Hometown: Navarre, FL
If you could be a rockstar for a day, who would you be, and why?
Madonna, she’s the original trend setter and forever icon!
Name one experience that’s on your bucket list.
I wanna visit all 50 states!
What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten?
The worm at the bottom of a tequila bottle.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind!
Hannah S.
Age: 24
Occupation: Bartender/Assistant Bar Manager
Qualifying Bar: Gold Pan Saloon – Custer, SD
Hometown: Custer, SD
What is your favorite hobby?
I’ve gotten really into playing pool over the past few years. I’m involved in a couple different leagues, and I really enjoy it!
What’s your favorite way to break the ice with someone you just met?
It totally depends on the circumstances! I typically don’t find it challenging to talk to new people, but if it’s appropriate, I tend look for an opportunity to joke or saying something funny. I’ve found that once you’ve laughed with someone, it gets more comfortable, and conversation seems to flow.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”
Who is the person who’s been the biggest influence on your life? Why?
It’s so tough to pick just one. I’ve known so many influential people throughout the different phases of my life, from family members, to coaches, to friends, etc… But if I had to narrow it down to one, I suppose I’d have to say my mother. She has supported me, but she’s also always kept it real with me. When I was growing up, she knew the importance of being my mom, rather than my best friend. As an adult, I’m thankful for that, and I’m a better human because of it. (I should add that she’s pretty dang cool, and she is my friend now that I’m older!)
Jacque H.
Age: 46
Occupation: Cocktail Server
Qualifying Bar: Deadwood Tobacco Company – Deadwood, SD
Hometown: Spearfish, SD
Describe your fantasy motorcycle ride.
The Black Hills has the best riding in the world. No need to go anywhere else. Amen.
Do you have any secret talents? If so, what are they?
Extra long ligaments so I can make my limbs look broken.
If you could hold any world record, what would you want it to be, and why?
Having the longest living dog that lives until I am 92 years old.
If you won the lottery tomorrow, what’s the first thing you’d do?
Change my name to Bertha Hammertoes.
Kayla H.
Age: 30
Occupation: Owner of Divine Pet Grooming and Hellbent Society
Qualifying Bar: Moose Lodge – Rapid City, SD
Hometown: Bismarck, ND
What is your favorite hobby?
Riding my motorcycle, shooting pool and playing Betty Crocker on the side.
Have you ever attended a concert at the Buffalo Chip? If so, what was it?
I have attended many! Toby Keith, Kid Rock and Def Leppard put on really good shows. I’m really looking forward to seeing Jelly Roll take the stage this year!
What is the best thing that has ever happened to you?
This is going to sound bizarre but, getting cancer. When you come close to death, it makes you appreciate the small things in life. I don’t know if I would be doing half of the things I do today if it weren’t for going through that. It makes you look at life in completely different way.
Why do you want to be the 2024 Buffalo Chip Poster Model?
Hell knocked on my door not once, not twice, but 3 times. I had stage 4 aveolar rhybdomysarcoma two times—at age 12 and again at 15—and now battle with heart failure because of it. I truly believe I’m still alive to share my story. I don’t ever share it for pity or for anyone to feel sorry for me. I share my story to give other people hope. No matter what kind of crap cards you are dealt, anything is possible. So with that said, I don’t just want to be a pretty face for the Buffalo Chip. I want to be an inspiration. An inspiration to the people who enjoy this wild ride we call life. I can’t think of a better way to do it than for the place I call home during rally. I’ll make you all proud.
Krista W.
Age: 30
Occupation: Exotic Dancer
Qualifying Bar: 445 Martini Lounge – Rapid City, SD
Hometown: Philip, SD
Describe your fantasy motorcycle ride.
Through the Tetons, nice weather, drinks and dinner at some beautiful spot along the way.
Name one experience that’s on your bucket list.
To go see the pyramids in Egypt.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Time heals all wounds.
Why do you want to be the 2024 Buffalo Chip Poster Model?
I’ve been going to the rally before I probably should have been. Always loved the energy the people and of course the bikes. I would be honored to be the next Buffalo Chip Poster Model.
Megan C.
Age: 33
Occupation: Firefighter
Qualifying Bar: Robbinsdale Lounge – Rapid City, SD
Hometown: Ocean Springs, MS
Where do you go when you want to have fun and cut loose?
I travel to all the National Parks around the country to hike!
If you could hold any world record, what would you want it to be, and why?
Eating the most chicken wings, because no one would expect it out of me with my size.
What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten?
Mystery food in Iraq. I’m not sure what it was, and I never want to know.
Can you tell us about a time when you took a risk and it paid off?
I would say being deployed at such a young age, no one thought I would get through it, so the fact I proved everyone wrong, was a win in my books!
Rachel H.
Age: 26
Occupation: In the Process of Getting Her CDL to Drive a Dump Truck
Qualifying Bar: Robbinsdale Lounge – Rapid City, SD
Hometown: Sheridan, WY
Do you have any secret talents? If so, what are they?
I’m fairly talented when it comes to music. I can play the piano, drums, violin and the cello. Also, I was involved in SD Drift in Sturgis a few years ago. So, cars are kind of my thing.
If you could hold any world record, what would you want it to be, and why?
Best game of lawn darts played with Twisted Tea!
Can you tell us about a time when you took a risk and it paid off?
I’m gonna go with entering the Poster Model Contest. Even though I didn’t place last year the experience was everything for me. I put myself out there and just being able to participate was entirely worth it.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
“Home is where you make it”
Sara B.
Age: 25
Occupation: Analyst
Qualifying Bar: Robbinsdale Lounge – Rapid City, SD
Hometown: Milwaukee, WI
Who/what is your favorite singer/band?
KISS is my all-time favorite band. I’ve seen them 6 times and was lucky enough to be front row on their farewell tour this past year.
What do you love most about the motorcycle community?
I love the inclusion and acceptance. You don’t get looked at weirdly because you’re different, you’re welcomed.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Everything happens for a reason, when and how it’s supposed to.
What is the best thing that has ever happened to you?
The best thing that’s happened to me is the opportunity I had to work at The Chip in 2020. It introduced me to my family (sappy but true).
Shamee M.
Age: 33
Occupation: Best Bartender at Joe’s Place
Qualifying Bar: Robbinsdale Lounge – Rapid City, SD
Hometown: Ellendale, ND/Aberdeen, SD area
Have you ever attended a concert at the Buffalo Chip? If so, what was it?
YES!! I’ve got to every concert for the past 4 years straight!! Rain or Shine I was there with the rest of my Buffalo Chip family!
If you could be a rockstar for a day, who would you be, and why?
I would have to say P!nk because she blew open the doors for female artists. She is an amazing performer, and she isn’t unapologetically herself!
If you won the lottery tomorrow, what’s the first thing you’d do?
Buy land here in Rapid City, SD and start planning my dream barndominium!
Can you tell us about a time when you took a risk and it paid off?
When I got asked to bartend down at Daytona Beach, that was a big risk for me last year. It definitely paid off because I got to meet so many amazing people and I’m proud I traveled that far all alone!
Shayne L.
Age: 21
Occupation: Surgical Technologist
Qualifying Bar: Valley Sports Bar – Rapid City, SD
Hometown: Dallas, TX
What is your favorite hobby?
Riding my motorcycle into the hills where I don’t have any cell service and putting my hammock up in some good trees.
Describe your fantasy motorcycle ride.
Obviously, the Black Hills is the best ride, but since I can ride those whenever the weather allows, I’d say my fantasy ride would be the Ozark Mountains in Arkansas.
Have you ever attended a concert at the Buffalo Chip? If so, what was it?
Yes, the first year I attended, I saw Hollywood Undead, Falling in Reverse, and Papa Roach. Last year, I saw Lita Ford and Limp Bizkit. All of them were absolutely amazing and so fun!
What do you love most about the motorcycle community?
How genuine people are. The first time I ever dumped my bike I was alone, in traffic, and too weak to pick it back up. I was panicking until a very nice older couple pulled up behind me and both came running out of their car to make sure I was okay and helped me pick it up. He told me before he left, he would’ve wanted someone to help him years ago.
Taylor P.
Age: 30
Occupation: Personal Trainer/Health Coach
Qualifying Bar: 445 Martini Lounge – Rapid City, SD
Hometown: Denver, CO
Do you have any secret talents? If so, what are they?
I am a great healthy baker, I’ve got a solid handstand, and I can bust out the worm like a boss.
What do you love most about the motorcycle community?
The wave, you know the one, and the inclusivity of being on a bike out in the wild. Doesn’t matter what bike you’re on, when you see another biker riding, there’s (almost) always the wave. Doesn’t matter that it’s a complete stranger, the respect for the ride, and for one another, is there.
What is the best thing that has ever happened to you?
Adopting my dog, Bird. Especially because I never wanted a dog, since you know, they die way before you. He has added so much value and happiness to my life I never would have experienced without him.
Why do you want to be the 2024 Buffalo Chip Poster Model?
For the experiences, connections, and memories I’d get to share with people while representing both the Buffalo Chip and something that has been such a positive part of my life since I was a kid on the back of my dad’s Harley. I’m ready to do it all!
Trish R.
Age: 31
Occupation: Bartender
Qualifying Bar: Kickstands – Sturgis, SD
Hometown: Kingman, AZ
Have you ever attended a concert at the Buffalo Chip? If so, what was it?
I have attended almost all concerts since 2018! My favorites so far have been Pop Evil, Disturbed, Rob Zombie, Bush and Falling in Reverse.
Who’s one person you’d be starstruck by if you got to meet them?
Gal Gadot, she plays my top favorite superhero, and I have so many questions.
Do you have any secret talents? If so, what are they?
It’s not really a secret but I’m a pretty dang good dancer, and I’ve never had a lesson in my life, all self-taught!
Why do you want to be the 2024 Buffalo Chip Poster Model?
I want to be the 2024 Buffalo Chip Poster Model because I have witnessed 5 amazing women get the job, and what I’ve witnessed, they have an epic time. They build great friendships that become more like family. You see a whole other side of them during the journey, and they become even more vibrant beautiful women. I want to experience what all the other amazing women in the past have experienced. I want to be a bigger part of Buffalo Chip!
Tristen S.
Age: 29
Occupation: Rancher & Insurance Representative
Qualifying Bar: 445 Martini Lounge – Rapid City, SD
Hometown: White Owl, SD
What is your favorite hobby?
I love spending time with my cows!
If you could be a rockstar for a day, who would you be, and why?
Jelly Roll! That guy has the heart of an angel and I’d love to learn some grace from him.
What do you love most about the motorcycle community?
Family. I have made more life-long friends through rally events and Sturgis than any other event or culture of my life!
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Absolutely everything is fixable.
Vanessa R.
Age: 34
Occupation: Business Owner
Qualifying Bar: Kickstands – Sturgis, SD
Hometown: Hermosa, SD
Describe your fantasy motorcycle ride.
My favorite ride has always been Needles Highway and the Wildlife Loop in Custer State Park.
Can you tell us about a time when you took a risk and it paid off?
Quitting my job and opening my own business. Ten years later and we are still killing it!
Who is the person who’s been the biggest influence on your life? Why?
My grandmother. She taught me to just go out and do the impossible, and you may find that you are a superhero yourself.
Why do you want to be the 2024 Buffalo Chip Poster Model?
Going into my third year in this competition, I find that my answer to this changes every year. While I would of course be beyond honored to hold the title of Poster Model, this competition has brought so much more to my life than just the opportunity itself. When I first entered this competition, I was very shy and unsure of myself. Over the years, I have gotten to meet so many incredible people, many of whom I now call my friends. I’ve taken the influence of so many strong, fearless, intelligent women and learned to bring out a confidence in myself that I didn’t know I had. Because of this competition, I now carry myself with love and care. I believe in myself, and I’m so incredibly grateful to everyone who has helped me achieve that. If I was chosen as the Poster Model, I would like to pass that on. To bring this experience and love to everyone at the Chip and beyond.
WANT TO SEE MORE?
Cheer on your favorite contestants as they strut across the stage at Rapid City’s Robbinsdale Lounge in the theme from their qualifying bar, Americana wear and bikinis during the Poster Model Finals on May 4, 2024!
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 2024 Poster Model? Tell us in the comments section below!
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.
