CRAZY HORSE MEMORIAL - A passing storm didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of the crowd of over 4,000 at Crazy Horse Memorial on June 26, helping Ruth Ziolkowski celebrate her 82^nd birthday.  The celebration also commemorated the 132^nd anniversary of the Battle of the Little Big Horn in which Lakota warrior Crazy Horse helped lead Native Americans against an attack by cavalry troops.

    The hearty crowd enjoyed a “pre-laser show and night blast” courtesy of Mother Nature’s thunder and lightning.  Ruth Ziolkowski, President-CEO of the Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation, was honored with a gathering of friends and family, while the Lakota Dancers of the Black Hills entertained on the veranda.  The crowd waited patiently for the festivities to begin as dark skies loomed overhead and eventually opened into a brief downpour.  Msg. William O’Connell made opening remarks, followed by longtime friend of the family Fred Tully as the rain continued to drizzle.  As Mrs. Z stepped to the microphone, the rain stopped as if the spirits were clearing the sky.  She thanked everyone for coming and braving the weather and believing in the Crazy Horse dream.  Her daughter Anne led the crowd in singing Happy Birthday.

    Immediately following the program, Crazy Horse mountain came to life with the spectacular Legends in Light laser show dancing on the magnificent backdrop. At the conclusion of the laser show, the 82-second night blast began with fire balls lighting up the mountain, along with laser images and drum beats echoing throughout the hills.  The grand finale was the horse’s head lit up in one spectacular blast of light.  Following the blast, visitors from across the globe were invited to stay for cake at the Laughing Water Restaurant where Mrs. Z was there to greet them.

    There were hundreds of pounds of food and thousands of dollars collected for the KOTA Care and Share Food Drive.  The Memorial is between Hill City and Custer in the southern Black Hills on U.S. Highway 16/385.

    Photo should be credited to ©Crazy Horse Memorial – Paul Horsted photo