About the Rushmore German Club:
The Rushmore German Club was originally founded in 1972 after a group of German musicians performing in Rapid City witnessed the historic Rapid City flood. In the spirit of brotherhood, various members of the community opened their homes to the German musicians stranded by the Flood. After their safe departure from Rapid City, the families who hosted the band members began meeting regularly to share their experiences. On November 28, 1972 the Rushmore International Club was formed with the purpose of promoting and preserving European customs and traditions, carrying out international exchanges, and discovering unique heritages and customs in Rapid City. In July 1981 the group incorporated as a non-profit organization and changed their name to the Rushmore German Club with the intent of continuing their mission of promoting German heritage. This was followed shortly thereafter with the first Sommerfest event held in 1982 in conjunction with the Central States Fair. The event has grown over the years and is now a staple of the Fair. Longtime attendees know that this year also celebrates the 30th anniversary of Colorado’s Rick Borger and the Average German Band performing at the German Tent. Club members continue to support international exchanges with the Apolda Sister City and hosting German visitors throughout the years. The club actively promotes German culture through family events for club members and act as ambassadors on trips to various German events around the country and abroad. The proceeds from the Rushmore German Club’s Sommerfest are felt around the Black Hills area with donations to a variety of local organizations. In 2011, the Rushmore German Club made donations to Stevens High School German exchange program, Storybook Island, the MEALS program, the Allied Arts Fund, Fort Meade Veterans Home, Hospice of the Black Hills, Cornerstone Mission, Apolda Sister City, Black Hills Workshop, Make-a-Wish Foundation, Youth and Family Services and Working Against Violence (WAVI).
