You've heard of The Burning Man Celebration. Check out The Burning Beetle Celebration in Custer, South Dakota!
The event is ALWAYS on the third Saturday of January - This year that is Jan. 20, 2024. It was created in response to the Mountain Pine Beetle infestation a few years ago and is continued each year, bringing awareness and education of how those tiny beetles cause massive landscape change and forest destruction.
It is usually a packed-out event despite the cold weather, so if you plan to attend it would be a good idea to book your lodging in advance & bring plenty of warm clothing!
The event supports the Custer Area Arts and includes a community variety show, a torch-bearing march, a burning beetle effigy, as well as a Custer pub (bug) crawl supporting local establishments. At the end of it all, the hope is those who attend walk away with more awareness of the mountain pine beetle, its destruction of our forests, and a better understanding of forest management and our beautiful home - The Black Hills.
