“The [Sturgis] Buffalo Chip was, and still is, the oasis for bikers, and that’s also where our mantra, ‘welcome home, bikers,’ comes from,” said Sturgis Buffalo Chip president Daymon Woodruff. “There’s an emotional connection to you belonging here, and we celebrate you here.”
The “Chip” was established in 1981 by Daymon’s father, Rod “Woody” Woodruff, after the city of Sturgis residents voted to abolish the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally after instances of unrest and “trouble” at City Park in 1980.
The rally survived by a slim vote with the help of the creation of the Buffalo Chip. Nineteen eighty two rolled around, and bikers were welcomed to the Buffalo Chip Picnic. Over the years, the event has grown and changed.
The nights of concerts and vendors expanded, events grew, contests flourished, and the Buffalo Chip became an iconic, integral part of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally itself.
“The Buffalo Chip is recognized as an international and national brand, bringing in concerts and people from all over,” said Daymon. “Every year we’re building traditions.”
This year marks the 85th anniversary of the rally and 45 years of the Buffalo Chip. Daymon says major anniversary years help goers build perspective and multiply the reasons to celebrate.
“We try to make it a festival people can fall in love with, tell their friends about, and make it an annual tradition.”
-Daymon Woodruff
“There’s 45 years of stories that exemplify the uniqueness and the history that a place like this has through experiences in concerts, the shows, etc,” added Daymon. “It creates lasting friendships and lifelong memories—the type of the most memorable experiences.”
Nickelback, Jason Aldean, Five Finger Death Punch, and ZZ Top are just a few of the many performers scheduled for this year’s party.
“These events go big, and remind people we are your once-a-year happiness counselors,” added Daymon. “Escapism plays a pretty important role in the world, especially in a world where the news is traumatic—you want a good reason to go celebrate, and we provide celebration.”
In 1989, Big Ed Beckley
jumped over 10 pickups and cars on Harley Rotax 600, which constituted the world’s largest motorcycle jumper. Beckley drew a crowd of over 5,000 people to watch him jump at the Buffalo Chip amphitheater.
In 2000, Cher
(the first real mega superstar to enter the Buffalo Chip) graced the audience with her presence and then flipped off the audience after she allegedly mentioned a dinner date with former President Clinton and was booed.
Along with celebration, there is creativity that goes into the various events and contests of each rally, such as the Contraption Show, where folks are able to modify drivable tractors, lawn mowers, couches, coolers, etc
“The Contraption Show and the other shows we’ll have going on are all about people with a real inner child and a drive to challenge themselves to stay unique, just like we all are,” added Daymon.
Other shows include the Minibike Show, Sportster Showdown Bike Show, Global Getdown Bike Show, and many more where folks can show off their rides.
Many contests will be held during the rally, including the Belly Flop Contest, Frozen T-Shirt Contest, Homemade Mankini Contest, Beers and Burps Contest, and more. The contests add fun, humor, and comradery, Daymon adds.
“This is the largest music festival and motorcycling event, and it’s affectionately known as the best party anywhere,” said Daymon. “It all comes back to real human connection.”
In 2010, the Late Ozzy Osbourne Once Said,
“I f***in’ love this place,” from the Buffalo Chip mainstage.
Adventure is part of what helps us grow and plays a vital part in feeling the “aliveness” of life, Daymon says. Whether you’re leaving your house to go to the grocery store or going to one of the biggest motorcycle events in the world, there’s risk in adventure.
“The whole idea of adventure is the pursuit of comfort,” explained Daymon. “You can’t have comfort without having taken a risk at some point to discover that comfort.”
Party with the Chip from Aug 1 to Aug 10. Pre-parties start as early as July 28th.
“Everything about us strives for real, human connection, and getting together to have a good party with good people,” said Daymon Woodruff.
For more information, visit BUFFALOCHIP.COM+
