60 Nebraskaland • May 2026
Unbeatable HospItAlIty
Organizers do their best to make racers feel safe and
welcome, and the sense of hospitality is palpable on race
day. Over 150 volunteers make Crofton's Dam Race possible,
and that number includes Crofton's entire fire department,
Yankton County Search and Rescue, an EMT ambulance
squad and the support of state and local law enforcement.
Because a large portion of the race is on the highway, safety
is a top concern.
Also, race announcers, cooks and local families running
water stations are integral to the event's success and charm.
The water stations are set at every intersection throughout
the race, and volunteers dress up in fun, silly costumes,
carry uplifting signs and enthusiastically cheer on every
racer to help keep up their morale.
"Time and time again, we hear that people just really
apprec iate the hospitality of Crofton and that our
vo l u n te e rs a re e x t ra s p e c i a l , "
Marsh said. "Our community loves
this event, and we see the value
in it. We love introducing our
families to new racers from across
the country, and so we welcome
them. People just find lots of joy
out on the road."
RAce AfteR-PaRty
On race day, the Knox County
town of 800 swells to a lively
crowd of 1,300. Racer or not,
everyone can partake at Crofton's
Dam Race famed after-party at
the finish line. Set on Main Street, racers, family, friends,
locals and volunteers gather to celebrate with cold drinks,
food, a live band and an awards ceremony. The after-party
started after the 2018 race, when organizers realized
something was missing.
"My husband was really excited to have that camaraderie
of racing. But he felt getting a pat on the back and a tavern
sandwich afterward wasn't enough," Marsh explained.
"And it was at that moment we realized we needed to make
this a celebration. If we're going to invite people to our
community, let's really show them something special."
Marsh credits locals Doug and Juliet de Shazer, owners of
Crofton Haymarket, and Lewis & Clark Pulley Museum for
preparing the amazing food that participants get to enjoy
at the end of their race — delicious chicken sandwiches,
salads, homemade cookies and Crofton's "best dam
bloody Mary."
State park employee Daryl
Ausdemore helps a kayaker.
JENNY NGUYEN-WHEATLEY, NEBRASKALAND
Racers and spectators enjoy the comraderie, live music and the "best dam bloody Mary" at the finish line celebration. COOPER DAVIS
