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Deadwood Kicks Off 20th With a Bang

DEADWOOD, S.D. (10/27/2009) -- Wild Bill Hickok and his re-enactor cohorts will be shooting up Deadwood’s Main Street on Monday, Nov. 2, to kick off the week-long celebration of the city’s 20th anniversary of gaming and historic preservation. The event, at 11 a.m. in front of the Franklin Hotel, will recreate the opening ceremonies that launched Deadwood gaming in November 1989.

The public is encouraged to attend the opening. Members of the original “Deadwood You Bet” committee, who worked to legalize gaming, will attend along with other key members of the Deadwood community. Mayor Francis Toscana will read a proclamation.

“It’s going to be an exciting week in town,” said Mary Kopco, chair of the Deadwood 20th Committee. “Deadwood’s 20 years of legalized gaming have helped preserve much of our historic town and provided jobs for the community. This week full of events is our way of celebrating that success.”

Deadwood gaming was officially legalized in November 1989 with only a few casinos opening for business. Their success sparked a boom that grew quickly in 1990. Several casinos opened their doors in the coming years, sparking a revival that continues today.

The celebration week will also include public presentations by regional authors, historians and the people who have played important roles in Deadwood gaming’s 20-year history. There will be daily “Lunch with the Authors” events from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., sponsored by the Deadwood Historic Preservation Commission.  This series includes:

· Monday, Nov. 2: The history of gaming and preservation, by historian Dr. Suzanne Julin, at the Franklin Hotel Emerald Room.

· Tuesday, Nov. 3: Calamity Jane & Wild Bill Hickok, by historian Dr. James McLaird, at the Deadwood Social Club.

· Wednesday, Nov 4: Seth Bullock, by historian Dr. David Wolff, at the Bullock Hotel.

· Thursday, Nov 5: The history of Deadwood prostitution, by author Michael Trump, at the Lucky Nugget Gambling Hall.

Those who were instrumental in Deadwood’s success will share their stories in the evening “Reflections of the Past 20 Years” series, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. The events, presenters and locations are:

· Monday, Nov. 2: The Deadwood You Bet committee at the Masonic Temple.

· Tuesday, Nov 3: Former and current mayors and city commissioners at Deadwood City Hall.

· Wednesday, Nov 4: Former and current South Dakota gaming commissioners at Deadwood City Hall.

· Thursday, Nov. 4: Former and current Deadwood historic preservation officers and historic preservation commissioners at the Masonic Temple.

The new Lodge at Deadwood convention center will host events on both Friday and Saturday nights. Friday evening is a public social that will feature the Sounds of Deadwood with Hank Harris, Gordy Pratt, Kenny Putnam, Kenny Miller and Ricky Jacobsen, and an exhibit by the Black Hills Pioneer.

Saturday evening concludes the Deadwood 20th anniversary celebration with a gala banquet. Lt. Gov. Dennis Daugaard will host, and a video history of Deadwood gaming will be shown. David Milch, creator of the HBO series Deadwood will make a video appearance.  The Black Hills Pioneer exhibit will be on display. Tickets to the banquet are $25 each. To purchase tickets, call 800-344-8826.

For more information about the events, contact Lee Harstad with the Deadwood Chamber of Commerce at 605-578-1876.