Day 73

We loaded in today at the historic Homestake Opera House in Lead, South Dakota! 

Built 1914, the Homestake Opera House was built as a gift to the community. Phoebe Apperson Hearst, widow of George Hearst, believed the people of Lead deserved an opportunity for exposure to the arts and culture. In 1984, there was a devastating fire that closed the opera house for 10 years. In 1995, reconstruction started, and is still in progress today! The theatre had a very "Phantom of the Opera" feel to it, and was quite beautiful.

The show was a ton of fun! More of Jack's family was at the show. And SO many awesome Vietnam Veterans!  The Quilt of Valor for South Dakota was presented to Thomas Golden, who was a veteran of the US Navy and also the Executive Director of the Homestake Opera House! 

Also, in the audience was a 4-legged friend, who took to Dan at the step and repeat. He was a working doggie, and looked very handsome on the job. 

Overall, South Dakota exceeded our expectations! The opera house was amazing and the audience warm and supportive, the people were fun and friendly, and the scenery was more epic than any of us imagined. We can't wait to go back!