By David Evans
It wasn't winter in Mitchell, South Dakota, the last week in August of this year, but dozens of Winter Texans assembled there to play and sing their favorite country, bluegrass, gospel, and folk tunes at the famous “Corn Palace.”
During the six-day event that complements the city's annual “Corn Palace Celebration,” these jammers made their second annual event a resounding success.
Two years ago, James Kropenske, a native of Mitchell, decided to consider taking advantage of the Mitchell celebration that historically draws thousands of folks from the area. Kropenske, who is a 28-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force and worked in law enforcement for his career, started attending music jams in the Rio Grande Valley in 2017. He contacted the mayor of Mitchell and visited with the Corn Palace Director about having a jam there. They decided to give it a try in 2019. 
With the help of Rex and Joyce from Texan Mobile Park, they contacted several jammers and they all said they would like to participate. So last year’s jam at Mitchell became a reality and “was quite successful for the first year,” James said. And this year, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, it grew to include more jammers from around the country and was enjoyed by all. Plans are to schedule another summer of jamming in Mitchell next year.
Winter Texans from Minnesota, Tennessee, South Dakota, Kansas, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Michigan, Missouri and Texas who spend their winter months in the Rio Grande Valley made a jammers reunion and truly enjoyed making music together. At least two dozen jammers from around the country formed the stage band at the Corn Palace. They played a variety of pieces that had folks kicking up their heels on the dance floor.
The jammers played each evening from Tuesday through Saturday and Sunday afternoon. Usually for four hours at a time. They also played at the James Valley Community Center where they were the pre-lunch entertainment. On Saturday they played at the “Back 40 Taphouse and Grill” for nearly two hours to the delight of the listening crowd. Real country music was played on their outdoor stage.
Wednesday night at the Corn Palace featured Valley favorites Sherwin and Pam Linton with their Tribute to Johnny Cash. On Friday more Valley favorites, Adam Pope and Monroe Sun Band, did a great show with Rusty Rierson, 2019 Male Vocalist of the Year, and his Forever Young Band opening for them.
Sunday morning Adam Pope and Rusty presented some beautiful gospel music for Cowboy Church at the Corn Palace. From 12-3 p.m. on Sunday, Robert Ferguson taught and called square dancing to enthusiastic participants. And at 3 p.m. Barefoot Becky and the Ivanhoe Dutchmen band presented some lively polka music to the delight of the many polka dancers.
Rierson, Ferguson and Rex from Peppermint Palace were available to help James with his emceeing and organizational duties each day.
All in all, the jammers appreciated the warm welcome and hospitality that The Corn Palace gave them. They enjoyed the fellowship and music making and are looking forward to the chance to do it again next year. Y'all are invited to join us. We promise a great time for all.
