2008 Crazy Horse Memorial Volksmarch
At completion of 23^rd annual walk, Volkssport Association honors Ruth Ziolkowski

CRAZY HORSE MEMORIAL –The once a year spectacular journey to the top of Crazy Horse began in 1985, and over the course of the last 23 years more than 180,000 walkers have participated in the unique Crazy Horse Volksmarch. The 10K (6.2 mile) round-trip walk is sponsored by the Black Hills Chapter of the American Volkssport Association (AVA) and hosted by Crazy Horse Memorial.

The partnership between the two entities has flourished over the years, and this year Ruth Ziolkowski, President/CEO of the Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation, was recognized by the AVA. Bonnie Johnson, AVA North Central Region Director, presented the Ziolkowski family with a certificate and an engraved plaque inscribed with the words, “In Appreciation For Allowing Us To Share The Dream.” The AVA recognition came just days after the 60th anniversary celebration at Crazy Horse.

Another of the weekend’s most memorable moments was on Saturday, when a couple from Mankato, MN made the most of their first Volksmarch. Surrounded by hundreds of other walkers, nerves didn’t deter a young man from getting down on bended knee and proposing marriage on the arm of Crazy Horse. The answer was a resounding yes, lending a bit of romance to the annual event.

Almost perfect hiking weather boosted attendance this year. The final tally for the 23rd annual Volksmarch was 10,513 walkers. With admission to the memorial waived for a suggested donation of canned foods for the KOTA Care & Share Food Drive, hikers generously provided 17,852 pounds of food and $8,768 cash towards the worthy cause.

Another Crazy Horse tradition continues this weekend as the 18th annual Crazy Horse Stampede and Gift From Mother Earth celebration takes place June 13, 14 and 15th. Rodeo action kicks off at 2:00 pm each day.

The Memorial is between Hill City and Custer in the southern Black Hills on U.S. Highway 16/385.

For more information on the memorial, visit www.crazyhorsememorial.org