MITCHELL, S.D.(KMIT)- Changes are coming to the Corn Palace Stampede Rodeo after the Mitchell City Council approved a 20-year land lease agreement with the newly-formed Mitchell Rodeo Foundation.  At the end of the 20 years, there will be an option for the city and foundation to extend the lease for another 10 years.  The 20 acres of land along Airport Road will be leased to the foundation for $7,500 annually.  Mitchell City Attorney Justin Johnson.

The original lease proposal was for 30 years.  While acknowledging the rodeo’s importance to the community, Councilman Marty Barington (bear-ing-ton) expressed concerns about tying future councils to last night’s decision.

Jim Miskimins with the Mitchell Rodeo Foundation said a lease of considerable length was necessary for the group’s efforts to make long-term improvements to the land.

The 4-day rodeo, which is held in mid-July each year, draws nearly 10,000 people annually.