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2024 Trail of Governors Annual Report

The seventh annual Run With the Govs event in June drew many
runners plus walkers and spectators. It was a beautiful June morning
showcasing the bronze leaders in the sunshine, celebrating the state's history
and art during the 3.5 mile run and walk.

Each statue cost the nonprofit Trail of Governors Foundation

approximately $72,000 to create, and all are now funded thanks to the
generous donors listed in this report. The total funding for the statues was
approximately $2,250,000. The foundation continues to welcome donations
to maintain and promote the trail.

The carefully chosen South Dakota artists whose work is featured in bronze
are James Michael Maher of Spearfish, James Van Nuys of Hill
City, John Lopez of Lemmon, and Lee Leuning and Sherri Treeby
of Sioux Falls. These artists were tasked with doing robust research of each
governor statue commissioned, then presenting their interpretation of that

governor along with historically correct clothing and accessories or added
features. Look for governor statues with favorite pets, a missile model, a farm
fence, holding a bullhorn, leaning on a shovel, reading a book, wearing a
Black Hills Gold ring, sitting on a hay bale or next to a gas can, and the almost
hidden mouse and grasshoppers. You will find that each statue not only shares
a story about that governor, but also of the era during which they led this
state. You may also learn about their hobby or livelihood or most challenging
project or best friend.

Trail of Governors Foundation board members pictured are Leroy Foster,

Tina Van Camp, Chuck Schroyer, Patricia Van Gerpen, Rick Jensen, and Leah
Haugan, one of the foundation’s advisors. Board members not pictured
are Tony Venhuizen and Patricia Miller.

A vision to create a lasting legacy of South Dakota’s governors.