Red Wilk Construction Bull Bash opens S.D. State Fair

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HURON — Four-time World Champion and Pro Rodeo Hall of Famer Tuff Hedeman and local businessman Red Wilk announced the final preparations of the Red Wilk Construction Bull Bash, a fan-favorite event that has become a South Dakota State Fair tradition. 
Hedeman, who has been coming to Huron for 17 consecutive years, announced that S.D. Governor Kristi Noem would welcome the crowd carrying the American flag in the opening ceremony on Thursday night. The two night $30,000 bull riding extravaganza kicks off the 136th South Dakota State Fair on Thursday and Friday, Sept. 3 and 4.  
Lining up 40 top professional athletes to face off with elite bred to buck bulls in a two night, intense high energy man vs. beast competition, the Red Wilk Construction Bull Bash is again set to entertain the fairgoers and ticketholders in the main grandstand. Battling for prize packages worth $7,500 on Thursday and $30,000 on Friday, two bull riders will find their way to the winners circle to accept the custom created trophy buckle and prize check from Tuff Hedeman.
Hedeman also announced Thursday night will feature one round with a Bounty Bull opportunity for the rider who earns the highest score in the first performance. That rider will be given a chance to attempt the bounty bull for a bonus check of $10,000.

“If he hears the 8-second whistle while still on the bulls back, he gets the paycheck,” added Hedeman.
Matt Palmer of Chelsea, Oklahoma, was the last man standing in 2019 and Hedeman announced he would be in Huron to defend his 2019 Bull Bash title. Joining him will be National Finals Rodeo stars Koby Radley, Eli Vastbinder, Jacob O’Mara, Aaron Pass, and a host of talent including former Break-out Bull Bash champion Trey Holsten, Tyler Taylor, Daniel Keeping and Colten Fritzlan.
Bullfighters Bryce Redo and Beau Schueth return to protect the cowboys while in the arena, and J.J. Harrison will join them for comedic breaks and featured entertainment. Harrison is known for his off the cuff stuff and spur of the moment quick wit that keep fans laughing.
“I would say I’m just a ball of dancing energy that will be all over the arena in Huron,” Harrison said.
“We would not be in Huron without Red Wilk,” Hedeman said. “We share the same ideas and values in producing great family-friendly entertainment, and a competitive event that thrills the fans and the riders want to come to – I’m excited about this year with the line-up of talent IN and on the bucking chutes.”
 Hedeman’s event also includes two nights of the Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Bull Team Challenge competition. More than 50 elite bucking bull athletes will be in Huron competing in teams consisting of three bulls per team. The two-night combined prize monies equal approximately $100,000.