Nominees for South Dakota’s premier woman’s award have been announced. The “Spirit of Dakota Award” inspired by Dale Lamphere’s nine foot bronze pioneer lady located at the Crossroads Hotel will be held on Oct. 12.

Eight exceptional women have been nominated by their communities to be honored at the 38th Anniversary Celebration and Award Banquet at the Huron Event Center.

The 2024 nominees are Patricia Helmer Aurand, Belle Fourche; Julie Brookbank, Mitchell; LaVonne Gaspar, Sioux Falls; Gayle VanGenderen, Plankinton; Tiffany Myrum, Sisseton; Miranda O’Bryan, Rapid City; Maria Beth Rinehart, Onida; and Sharon Scott, Mitchell.

The Spirit of Dakota Award is an annual honor bestowed each fall at a statewide event held in Huron. The award is given to a woman who has demonstrated vision, courage and strength of character in the development of her family, community, and/or state.

The winner is chosen by a state-wide commission of Tona Rozum, Chair, Mitchell; Julie Garreau, Eagle Butte; Jean Hunhoff, Yankton; Carol Johnson, Watertown; Julie M Johnson, Aberdeen; Suzette Kirby, Sioux Falls; Jacque Sly, Rapid City; Marsha Sumpter, Kadoka and Ginger Thomson, Brookings.

All eight women will be given distinguished recognition throughout the many activities planned, including Tea in the Afternoon in the country home of Rodney and Beckie Freeman, an art show open to the public in the lobby of the Huron Event Center from 4 to 7 pm, a 5:30 p.m. social, and 6:30 p.m. banquet.

The recipient receives a framed one-foot bronze oval graced with the pioneer woman sculpted on its façade, sculptured by Dale Lamphere.

Each nominee will receive a lovely picture of herself taken with the statue, a corsage, a Spirit of Dakota pin, and a booklet of her nomination.

Tickets for the banquet may be purchased at the Huron Chamber & Visitors Bureau: 605-352-0000 or 1-800-487-6673. For an inspiring evening, attend this annual state-wide event held in Huron. For more information contact Marilyn Hoyt at 605-352-6073.