🌟 Community, Connection, and Cowboy Fun: An Update from Joy Ranch 🐴
- Steve Jurrens
- 11 hours ago
- 2 min read
Joy Ranch Event Coordinator Mallory Olsen recently sat down with Northeast Radio SD to share some exciting updates, upcoming events, and the heartwarming growth happening at the ranch! From new facilities to adorable new arrivals, there is so much to look forward to this season.
🏗️ The "Hitching Post" is Almost Ready!
The ranch’s newest facility, The Hitching Post, is nearing completion.
Progress: The ceiling and walls are finished, and cement is currently being poured.
Booking Now: Joy Ranch is already taking bookings for this space! It’s designed to be the perfect venue for weddings, family reunions, and celebrations of life, ensuring events can happen rain or shine.
📅 Mark Your Calendars: Upcoming Events
Runnings Roundup (This Weekend!): * Join the team at Runnings on Saturday & Sunday (10 AM - 3 PM) for a fundraiser.
Meet Reba (the mini horse) and Eeyore (the mini donkey)!
Enjoy outdoor games, popcorn, and all-beef hot dogs.
Prizes: For every $50 gift certificate purchased to Joy Ranch, you’ll be entered to win baskets filled with local goodies, including gas cards and spa items.
Chef’s Night (Next Week):
An evening of fine dining featuring chefs Joel Walette and Rick Hulinka.
The Menu: A massive charcuterie table, brisket and pork from 1889 Meat Company, and SDSU ice cream root beer floats.
Entertainment: Acoustic music by Cory Gray. Tickets are available online!
Kids & Horse Camp (Starts June 1st):
A 3-day, 2-night immersive experience for ages 11-14.
Kids will stay in the bunkhouse, learn to care for horses, and experience ranch life firsthand.
Scholarships: Joy Ranch believes every child should have the chance to attend. Camperships/Scholarships are available—apply via the Google Doc on their website!
Cowboy Prom (New Date!): * The prom has been moved to September 18th to ensure it can be hosted in the brand-new Hitching Post building. Expect a steak dinner, a grand march, and music by Dreem Foster.
🐐 Meet the Newest Members!
Joy Ranch has two new baby goats! They are currently looking for the perfect names, and you can help.
Vote: Check the Joy Ranch of South Dakota Facebook page today to vote in the naming poll.
Visit: You can visit the babies in the small barn, but please ensure a staff member is with you as they are still very young!
🌲 Summer Activities & Volunteering
Trail Rides: Available all summer for $60/hour. This is a hands-on experience where you help brush and saddle your horse before heading out. Call ahead to schedule!
Get Involved: Joy Ranch runs on a small, dedicated staff and a "village" of volunteers. Whether you want to mow the lawn or brush horses, you can sign up via the "Volunteer" button on their website.
📍 Connect with Joy Ranch
🌐 Website: joyranchofsd.org
📞 Phone: 605-886-4622
📱 Facebook: Joy Ranch of South Dakota
Joy Ranch remains committed to inclusion, hospitality, and faith-based programming for all ages. Come out and see the magic for yourself!
