ROCHFORD, S.D. — The small community of Rochford was bustling with activity Saturday during its annual Rochford Day celebration. Dozens of people came to the area to support the Rochford Volunteer Fire Department in its largest yearly fundraiser.
Known as “The Friendliest Ghost Town in the Black Hills,” the town of 8 people was anything but ghostly. The day was filled with music, food, and games. People brought their whole families, and those out biking in the northern Black Hills took a break to enjoy a pancake breakfast and a free-will donation lunch held at the fire hall. The day’s events also included the annual duck races hosted by the historic Rochford Chapel, a popular attraction for children and adults alike.
Rochford Volunteer Fire Department Chief Jason Steele said the event highlights the tight-knit nature of the communities in the Black Hills.
“Everybody’s, you know, very supportive out here,” Steele said, “We go to everybody else’s days when they have a celebration. Everybody supports everybody.”
It wasn’t just Rochford residents that attended but also firefighters and their families from across the region. Community feeds like Rochford Day are a long-standing tradition for local volunteer fire departments, which often rely on fundraisers and donations to operate.
Donations from the day’s events benefit the Rochford Volunteer Fire Department. A portion of the donations also went to the recently renovated Rochford Community Center, which hosted the morning’s pancake breakfast. Volunteer Fire Department fundraisers continue Sunday, as the Silver City Volunteer Fire Department will hold its own community feed. The event will take place at the Historic School House in Silver City from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Per grew up in Sioux Falls and graduated from South Dakota Mines. He found his passion for weather reporting by the impact it has on the community, both in how people work and how it brings people together through severe weather preparation. He also has a passion for preventing health issues with Air Quality Index awareness. Per can be found enjoying outdoor activities in the Black Hills when the weather allows.
