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Over The Edge Grill & Bar's Spring Celebration on May 28 was just what the Camp Crook, South Dakota community needed, judging by the large crowd.

After enduring months of devastating drought, then two severe blizzards in April, "we all needed an evening to unwind, but even more to honor Rose and Clark Blake. Without them, there would be no Over The Edge," said Deb Brown, who purchased the business in August 2021.

Over the Edge was opened in May 2011, making a dream come true for Rose Blake. She and husband Clark remodeled the old Little Missouri Bank built in 1918, which had also served as a general store and even a boarding house, to serve as the bar. They built a new addition onto the north side for the kitchen and dining area.

Rose was the head cook, attracting full houses for her prime rib, burgers and other great food. With the help of her talented and loyal staff, she served the community until her death in 2017 from cancer. Clark did his best to keep the bar and grill going, but without Rose it just wasn't the same.

Deb Brown wanted to keep Over The Edge open for her community. So, she made the deal with Clark in 2021, and within a few days was serving guests during the Harding County Fair, the busiest time of the year. Brown is known as a talented local entrepreneur. She founded Preferred Home Health 28 years ago in nearby Buffalo and continues to serve as its administrator. She also owns Long Pines Land and Livestock about 10 miles north of Camp Crook.

Over The Edge Owner Deb Brown honoring Clark Blake, who created Over The Edge with his late wife Rose.

But the spring celebration was about honoring the Blakes and transitioning to a refreshed Over The Edge Of The Long Pines. The menu was locally inspired, including Sea Critter Boil, Grand River Little Smokies, Hay Creek Egg Rolls, Brown's Rainmaker Jambalaya, Slick Creek Sliders, Cloudburst Mushrooms and Hay Twine Fries. Whether it was the jambalaya or just Mother Nature, more than an inch of rain blessed Camp Crook while the large crowd enjoyed the event inside. Live music by local talents Jess Lehman and Ren McCoid was a great addition, as was the musical debut of 14-year-old Blaise Lei.

Visit OverTheEdgeGrill.com to learn more, including hours, menu, job openings, and even history of the Little Missouri Bank and the Camp Crook area. A new text and email alert service can be joined on the website, too.