The following article was written and reported by Lakota Country Times editor Brandon Ecoffey. For more news, subscribe to the Lakota Country Times today. All content © Lakota Country Times.

Cutline: Rodeo fans at this year’s Oglala Nation fair and rodeo will be entertained by Keith Eisley.

World champion clown to work OST rodeo
By Brandon Ecoffey
LCT Editor

PINE RIDGE—The Oglala Nation Rodeo will receive a special treat this year as nine-time rodeo clown of the year Keith Eisley will entertain crowds and protect riders during this year’s fair and rodeo.

Born in 1957 in Reidsville, North Carolina, Eisley started his rodeo career in 1972 at the age of fifteen competing in the junior rodeo division in the bareback riding and bull riding. After taking a try as a rodeo clown Eisley was hooked on entertaining fans of rodeo.

Keith had no desire to tell jokes or perform clown acts. Being somewhat shy, he found the large audiences intimidating. However, after a period of time he found that the baggy pants and make-up that he wore provided him a comfort shield between himself and the spectators. Slowly but surely, he began telling jokes and performing clown acts.

Some of his comedy routines consist of Trick Roping, High Impact-Low Impact aerobic workout, various animal routines and Trick Riding. Acts such as these have made it possible for Keith to make rodeo entertainment a full-time career.

A flyer for the 30th annual Oglala Lakota Nation Wacipi Rodeo Fair.

Not only has Oglala Nation brought one of the top rodeo entertainers in the country, rodeo fans will be delighted as the cowboys and cowgirls of the Indian National Finals Rodeo take center stage. This year's rodeo, which takes place July 30 through August 2, will be an INFR Tour rodeo, so hang on to your hats as the top Indian cowboys and cowgirls from across North America will compete for over $20,000 in prize money.

If you would like to sponsor or donate to make this great event take the next step in professional Indian rodeo, please contact rodeo committee members: Chancy Wilson at (605) 407-0987, Barb Linehan  at (605) 454-8168, or Katie Fisher  at (605) 407-0948. To help future cowboys and cowgirls at the youth rodeo, contact Michel Melvin  at (605) 407-7516 or Donnell Ecoffey  at (605) 454-1380.