The heat is on, and the competition is stacked. With 24 gorgeous contestants still in the running, the 2025 Buffalo Chip Poster Model Search is bursting at the seams! A record number of ladies brought sizzle to the semi-finals, and now these smokin’ hopefuls are strutting closer to the ultimate prize. One of these women will win over $19,000 in cash and goodies, not to mention the honor of becoming the face of the Sturgis Buffalo Chip in 2025, thanks to Twisted Tea, Bella Tan, Cassio’s Tattoo Gallery, Deadwood Tobacco Company, Lloyd’z Garage, Pepsi, Silverado Franklin, Sturgis Harley-Davidson and XROCK. It’s all coming to a head during the finals on Saturday, May 3 at Robbinsdale Lounge in Rapid City, but you don’t have to wait. Meet the finalists now!
MEET THE 2025 POSTER MODEL SEARCH FINALISTS!
Akisha C.
Age: 30
Occupation: Bartender
Qualifying Bar: Sally O’ Malley’s
Hometown: McLaughlin, SD
What is your favorite hobby?
Making jewelry.
Have you ever attended a concert at the Buffalo Chip? If so, what was it?
As an employee, I’ve bartended dozens of concerts, but I attended a few on nights off. My favorite was Whiskey Myers.
If you could hold any world record, what would you want it to be, and why?
I think holding the world record for anything is so cool, but I would probably like something random and silly like blowing the world’s biggest bubble gum bubble.
Can you tell us about a time when you took a risk and it paid off?
Trying out for the 2018 Poster Model competition, it snagged me a job at the Buffalo Chip and kicked off many friendships and experiences that are priceless!
What do you love most about the motorcycle community?
The togetherness, the ability to create community and transcend race, gender, age, background, and just overall meeting the coolest people from around the world that love to ride and care for one another.
Alex A.
Age:
Occupation: Dietary Aide
Qualifying Bar: Double Nickel Bar
Hometown: Rapid City, SD
Describe your fantasy motorcycle ride.
I would have to say rolling through the Black Hills with my younger self. To teach her that she needs to slow down and take in the beauty of the outdoors.
If you could be a rockstar for a day, who would you be, and why?
Tina Turner hands down. Between her fashion sense and her ability to captivate a crowd, singing her own songs the way she wants to?? Goals.
What’s your favorite way to break the ice with someone you just met?
I love to crack jokes and try to make them smile! Dad jokes for the win, forever and always!
What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten?
Baby octopus, not calamari, not breaded. It might as well have been alive since the tentacles slightly stuck to my tongue.
Cater L.
Age: 33
Occupation: Supervisor at Rapid Transit System
Qualifying Bar: 445
Hometown: Prineville, OR
Do you have any secret talents? If so, what are they?
I can fix anything on your garage door! And put a commercial garage door operator together and installed within 30 minutes as long as I had the right tools.
Name one experience that’s on your bucket list.
Hike into Havasupai Falls
What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten?
Alfalfa pellet (horse feed)
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say it at all!
Cayla K.
Age: 23
Occupation: Bar Manager
Qualifying Bar: The Park
Hometown: Rapid City, SD
What is your favorite hobby?
My favorite hobbies include thrifting locally for vintage items, riding in the hills, craft cocktail-making, and modeling.
Describe your fantasy motorcycle ride.
My fantasy motorcycle ride would be Route 66 from Kingman, AZ to Flagstaff, then Gallup, NM, and finally Albuquerque. It’s a dream ride because of the old diners, neon signs, ghost towns, petrified forest & the painted desert. It’s a classic American ride with soul. Perfect for vintage bike lovers or anyone chasing a sense of freedom and history.
If you could be a rockstar for a day, who would you be, and why?
Stevie Nicks, because while living in the male-dominated world of the very peak of the music industry in the 1970s, she wrote unforgettable songs that tell raw, true stories, often about the bond between women, and about the life of an adventurer. You’ll never get away from the sound of the woman that loves you.
Name one experience that’s on your bucket list.
One experience that’s at the top of my bucket list to learn is how to ride my first motorcycle, which by the time you’re reading this. I already have!
Cherish G.
Age: 25
Occupation: Server/Bartender
Qualifying Bar: The Park
Hometown: Rapid City, SD
Have you ever attended a concert at the Buffalo Chip? If so, what was it?
Yes, Def Leppard.
If you could be a rockstar for a day, who would you be, and why?
Lady Gaga, she’s a badass who breaks boundaries
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Take it one day at a time.
Why do you want to be the 2025 Buffalo Chip Poster Model?
I want to continue to pursue the positive vibes and sense of community that the past couple Poster Models have shown. I want to be a positive influence on all people that cross my path. There’s no better place to display these attributes other than the Best Party Anywhere.
Dawn H.
Age: 33
Occupation: Hairstylist
Qualifying Bar: The Park
Hometown: Rapid City, SD
Have you ever attended a concert at the Buffalo Chip? If so, what was it?
One of my favorite shows I’ve ever attended at the Buffalo Chip was Rob Zombie. If that man was a cult leader, I would probably fall for it.
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 the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
“If you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room.”
Why do you want to be the 2025 Buffalo Chip Poster Model?
I’ve been coming to the Chip since I was young, and the energy and culture there has always been something I’ve wanted to be right in the middle of. The Buffalo Chip has put in tremendous work to support the veterans, women, and children in the biking community over the years, and I would be honored to hold that role and represent the Buffalo Chip this year!
Denaye A.
Age: 33
Occupation: Bartender and Content Creator
Qualifying Bar: The Gold Pan Saloon
Hometown: Rapid City, SD
Describe your fantasy motorcycle ride.
My fantasy motorcycle ride is my first one! I’m looking to take a class and learn how to ride a motorcycle for myself this summer.
What’s your favorite way to break the ice with someone you just met?
Compliments! If I like something about someone, I’m physically incapable of not telling them. And it’s so much fun to make someone feel good like that.
What do you love most about the motorcycle community?
I love that the motorcycle community is always open to helping newbies get started! Everyone I’ve ever asked for advice or tips is incredibly kind and offers help without thinking anything of it. I also love black leather, so I’m in the right spot.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Don’t sweat the petty things and don’t pet the sweaty things!
Haley H.
Age: 25
Occupation: Bartender & Esthetics Student
Qualifying Bar: Paddy’s O’Neill’s
Hometown: Pensacola, Florida
Do you have any secret talents? If so, what are they?
I can touch my nose with my tongue!
If you could hold any world record, what would you want it to be, and why?
Largest closet! I dress to impress & I’m always running out of space. (I’m just a girl, what can I say?)
What’s your favorite way to break the ice with someone you just met?
I can’t help but to crack a joke, once we laugh together, consider the ice broken!
What is the best thing that has ever happened to you?
I’ve made some pretty awesome friends in the last year (several from Poster Model 2024!), and I made sure everyone in my circle only has my best interest in mind. My mind has been clearer & life has been much more drama free!
Hannah S.
Age: 25
Occupation: General Manager/Bartender at the Gold Pan Saloon
Qualifying Bar: Gold Pan Saloon
Hometown: Custer, SD
What is your favorite hobby?
I play A LOT of pool. I didn’t much care for it when I was younger, but a man told me once that I could never be good at it, so now I’m in three different leagues.
What’s your favorite way to break the ice with someone you just met?
When appropriate, I usually find an opportunity to throw something witty or funny into a conversation. It’s so much easier to be comfortable with someone once you’ve shared a laugh!
Name one experience that’s on your bucket list.
I used to swear I wanted to ride a bull, but upon growing a little older/wiser, & realizing my own mortality, I’ve decided I’ll settle for a bronc.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
If you’re scared, then do it scared.
Hayla D.
Age: 22
Occupation: Student
Qualifying Bar: Kickstands
Hometown: Rapid City, South Dakota
Describe your fantasy motorcycle ride.
Driving in the black hills on a warm day, going through the needles and playing tourist.
If you could hold any world record, what would you want it to be, and why?
Having the most house plants because they bring the outside in!!!
If you won the lottery tomorrow, what’s the first thing you’d do?
Finish my tattoo sleeve.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
10 seconds could change your life.
Jadyn B.
Age: 22
Occupation: Cosmetologist and Bartender
Qualifying Bar: 445 Lounge
Hometown: Gillette, WY
Describe your fantasy motorcycle ride.
It’s hard to beat the Needles in South Dakota, but if I had to pick anywhere in the world, it would be the Amalfi Coast in Italy. The highway looks over the ocean!
Do you have any secret talents? If so, what are they?
I’m a master at making banana bread by scratch!!
Name one experience that’s on your bucket list.
Visit all 50 states and go skydiving!!
What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten?
Freeze dried grasshoppers.
Jennifer S.
Age: 31
Occupation: Bartender
Qualifying Bar: Valley Sports Bar
Hometown: Philip, SD
Have you ever attended a concert at the Buffalo Chip? If so, what was it?
Bad Wolves
What’s your favorite way to break the ice with someone you just met?
I ask them what their favorite way to eat potatoes is.
What do you love most about the motorcycle community?
After years of working in the service industry, they are some of the nicest people I’ve ever met!
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
It’s exhausting trying to control what everyone thinks of you, and you can’t do it anyway. So why worry about it?
Jessica B.
Age: 33
Occupation: Financial Administrator
Qualifying Bar: Deadwood Tobacco Company
Hometown: Deadwood, SD
Where do you go when you want to have fun and cut loose?
Sturgis Buffalo Chip (during rally), otherwise downtown Deadwood
Can you tell us about a time when you took a risk and it paid off?
Every time I’ve entered this contest. I always have such a blast and meet awesome people!
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
“Comparison is the thief of joy.” It’s so easy to compare ourselves to others, but this advice helps me stay focused on my own path and appreciate where I am.
Why do you want to be the 2025 Buffalo Chip Poster Model?
I want to be the 2025 Buffalo Chip Poster Model because the Buffalo Chip represents freedom, fun, and the thrill of the open road. It’s all about living life to the fullest, and I’d love to be a part of that vibe and help share the energy of Sturgis with everyone. It’s a huge honor to be part of something so iconic!
Jill M.
Age: 21
Occupation: Server
Qualifying Bar: Kickstands
Hometown: Spearfish, SD
Where do you go when you want to have fun and cut loose?
Deadwood
Describe your fantasy motorcycle ride.
Iron Mountain Road
What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten?
Pigs head
What is the best thing that has ever happened to you?
My doggie
Kayla H.
Age: 31
Occupation: Owner of Divine Pet Grooming and Hellbent Society
Qualifying Bar: 445 Lounge
Hometown: Bismarck, ND
Where do you go when you want to have fun and cut loose?
The Chip is easily one or at any concert. There’s just something about being surrounded by a crowd of what are typically happy people, singing and dancing to the music. It fuels my soul, and the best part is, no one can hear how terrible of a singer I am.
If you could be a rockstar for a day, who would you be, and why?
Joan Jett! She went into the rock industry, which back then was very male dominated, and she killed it. Reminds me a lot of being a female rider in what is also a male dominated industry.
Who’s one person you’d be starstruck by if you got to meet them?
Jelly Roll seems like such a kind and genuine person. I’d love to sit down and have a conversation with him.
What is the best thing that has ever happened to you?
Surviving stage 4 childhood cancer not once, but twice. It’s a blessing beyond measures to be able to still be here. Being that close to death a few times has completely changed the way I look and live life. I’m not sure if I’d gone down the same path had that not happened. My goal in this lifetime is to share and inspire.
Kenni S.
Age: 22
Occupation: Waitress
Qualifying Bar: Sally O’Malley’s
Hometown: Philip, SD
What is your favorite hobby?
My favorite hobby would definitely have to be singing! Music is a huge part of my family, and even though I haven’t gotten to do a lot professionally, it helps ease the stresses of life.
Describe your fantasy motorcycle ride.
My mom used to be a badass biker chick, so my fantasy motorcycle ride would have to be on the back of hers going anywhere the road takes us!
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
If they wanted to, they would.
Who is the person who’s been the biggest influence on your life? Why?
My little sister. She knows every single detail of my life, calls me out on my bullshit, and makes sure I’m always set straight.
Krista W.
Age: 31
Occupation: Entertainer / College Student
Qualifying Bar: 445 Lounge
Hometown: Philip, SD
What is your favorite hobby?
Fishing
If you could be a rockstar for a day, who would you be, and why?
Marilyn Manson, he is just completely different than me, and I think it would be interesting to be able to walk a day in his shoes.
Name one experience that’s on your bucket list.
Traveling to Egypt
What do you love most about the motorcycle community?
The focus on freedom and independence
Lauren R.
Age: 22
Occupation: Kitting for Accurpress America
Qualifying Bar: Robbinsdale Lounge
Hometown: Hermosa, SD
Who/what is your favorite singer/band?
Nine Inch Nails, Tool, it’s hard to just choose one.
If you could be a rockstar for a day, who would you be, and why?
Ozzy Osbourne, so I could see what’s going on in that mind of his.
If you won the lottery tomorrow, what’s the first thing you’d do?
Four link suspension on my Jeep, bigger lift/tires.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
You can destroy yourself now by worrying about tomorrow.
Lindsey E.
Age: 21
Occupation: Insurance Agent
Qualifying Bar: Murphy’s
Hometown: Sturgis, SD
If you could be a rockstar for a day, who would you be, and why?
Nikki Sixx in the ’80s. Why? To experience one of their iconic performances and the ’80s.
Do you have any secret talents? If so, what are they?
Burping more than a women should after one sip of pop. Not the answer you’re looking for, but the answer I have to offer.
If you could hold any world record, what would you want it to be, and why?
Owning the world’s longest living dog. My dog Benedryl is my best friend, and for him to live that long would be my biggest accomplishment.
Why do you want to be the 2025 Buffalo Chip Poster Model?
Growing up in Sturgis, I have seen the ads and billboards ever since I was little. I have told my parents since I was 5 that I was going to be up there once I got old enough. It would be such an honor to be the face of the biggest of the largest motorcycle rally.
Megan C.
Age: 34
Occupation: Firefighter
Qualifying Bar: Murphy’s
Hometown: Ocean Springs, MS
What is your favorite hobby?
Riding ANYTHING! Horses, motorcycles, snowmobiles.
Can you tell us about a time when you took a risk and it paid off?
I’d say moving here and joining the motorcycle community! I never knew I wanted one until I moved here in 2021.
Do you have any secret talents? If so, what are they?
I’m a very good shooter, pistols to rifles.
Who is the person who’s been the biggest influence on your life? Why
My dad. He inspired me to join the military and always follow my dreams.
Nicole W.
Age: 28
Occupation: Pharmacist Student
Qualifying Bar: Double Nickel
Hometown: Originally Montgomery, NY, Currently Box Elder, SD
What’s your favorite way to break the ice with someone you just met?
Ask them about their pets, and if they don’t have any, I ask what would their dream pet be?
Can you tell us about a time when you took a risk and it paid off?
I let someone convince me to visit South Dakota, and 3 months late,r I was living here! It ended up being the best move of my life.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
To just relax and enjoy the moments you’re in the middle of living right now.
Why do you want to be the 2025 Buffalo Chip Poster Model?
Because it would be a whole new kind of experience for me, where I could meet a variety of people and hear unique stories of what drew people to the rally along the way.
Sara B.
Age: 27
Occupation: EDI Analyst
Qualifying Bar: Robbinsdale Lounge
Hometown: Milwaukee, WI
Who/what is your favorite singer/band?
KISS is by far my favorite band. I grew up listening to their music and have seen them 6 times in concert, the last time was front row.
If you could hold any world record, what would you want it to be, and why?
Most squirrel thoughts in 60 seconds.
What’s your favorite way to break the ice with someone you just met?
I normally open with whatever chaotic thing happened to me that day. For example, one day it was about how my cat lit her own tail on fire by flicking a candle (she was fine).
Why do you want to be the 2025 Buffalo Chip Poster Model?
I want to be the 2025 Buffalo Chip Poster Model because it’s where I feel home. The Chip has given me a family and my most amazing memories. I want to represent The Chip in the community and show the world that yes, this is the Best Party Anywhere, but it’s way more than that. It’s acceptance, happiness, support, and a place I am so proud to represent.
Shayne L.
Age: 22
Occupation: Surgical Technologist
Qualifying Bar: Deadwood Tobacco Company
Hometown: Dallas, TX
Who’s one person you’d be starstruck by if you got to meet them?
Marilyn Manson for sure. I think that’d be very shocking!
What’s your favorite way to break the ice with someone you just met?
“If you could take your brain out of your head and wash it with soap and water, would the water be warm or cold?”
If you could hold any world record, what would you want it to be, and why?
Owns the most motorcycles, because you can never have too many!!!
Can you tell us about a time when you took a risk and it paid off?
I came to the Black Hills to visit my mom, and 2 months later, I decided I wasn’t going home. I made a trip to get my stuff and came back a few days later. Another 2 months after that, I started working at the hospital, and found what I wanted for the rest of my life.
Trish R.
Age: 33
Occupation: Bartender at Valley Sports Bar
Qualifying Bar: Robbinsdale Lounge
Hometown: Kingman, AZ
Who’s one person you’d be starstruck by if you got to meet them?
Tim Burton, he’s by far my favorite director.
If you won the lottery tomorrow, what’s the first thing you’d do?
Buy a five bedroom house for my family with the kitchen of my dreams, three car garage for my man and a game room for our kids!
What do you love most about the motorcycle community?
That they are loyal, if one person is in need, hundreds will show up to help. I see many of the motorcycle community as protective, and I feel safe. Especially at the Buffalo Chip, which is my home during the rally.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
“Have courage and be kind,” It may be from the live action Cinderella, but it comes to my mind often.
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 3, 2025!
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.
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.
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