Annual cheer event to be held today

The Corn Palace is hosting the fourth annual Xtreme Corn Palace Cheer and Dance Challenge today.

In its fourth year, the event has shown significant growth.

During the first-ever event in 2007, there were 22 teams and about 430 participants. Last year, 38 teams were in attendance, 677 dancers participated and more than 800 viewers attended the event.

Event coordinator Traci Loecker said this year there are 40 teams and about 735 participants signed up.

“It’s been nice to see it grow each year,” Loecker said.

The event starts at 8 a.m. and runs until about 5 p.m. Cost is $8 for adults and $5 for students.

Cheer divisions consist of Tiny (five years old and younger), Mini (eight years old and younger), Youth Cheer (11 years old and younger), Junior Cheer (14 years old and younger) and Senior Cheer (18 years old and younger).

There will be three Mitchell teams in attendance — the Sparx, the Xplosion and the Elite — to put on exhibitions. Because Mitchell is hosting the event, the Sparx, the Xplosion or the Elite aren’t eligible to compete.

“This is something to showcase the cheer teams around the state,” said Loecker, who is the coach of the three Mitchell teams. “We give out awards in each division and each level.”

An adult cheer team will also be in attendance to put on an exhibition, Loecker said.

Tags: sports, cheer, dance