HURON — The National Junior High Finals Rodeo at the South Dakota State Fairgrounds has brought many people to Huron from all over the country and beyond. But in addition of rodeo competitors and fans, there is a wide range  of businesses from all over, for a variety of shopping choices.
A variety of vendors have set up in the Nordby Exhibit Hall and across the rest of the fairgrounds, where anything rodeo or cowboy related can be found.
Handcrafted items, leather, jewelry, clothes, rodeo gear, roping and the essential cowboy hats are all available, with goods lined up as far as one can see.
All of the vendor area and other sites that are set up during the NJHFR are open to the public at no charge — unless you buy something of course — and give visitors a broad choice of merchandise choices.
The only thing that requires a ticket is the rodeo itself.
The Perfect Bit is a Texas based business that has dedicated its time to creating a new “bit” that helps communication between horse and rider.
Representative Darren Stoner said, “The mechanics of a bit haven’t changed in thousands of years, but we changed it with a ball-joint that is patented. The ball-joint rotates as you turn with the horse, the old bit has both sides connected together.”
Another side to the business is the “Turquoise Arrowhead” beadwork and jewelry. Both vintage turquoise and new jewelry are also available at the vendor booth.

“Collectors go nuts when they see our turquoise and other items,” Stoner said. “They know it’s the real deal.”
An Orlando, Florida, based company that specializes in making beef jerky and fresh fruit beverages called “Firepit Jerky” is set up for business on the state fairgrounds for the first time.
“We are traveling all the time,” explained Shane Lowder. “We love to see the country and meet people. This is our first time in South Dakota as well, although we are hoping to be back here for the State Fair.”
Shane, his wife, Galina, and daughter, Joslyn, travel across the country to set up at rodeos, and other big events, to share their one-of-a-kind jerky.
An abundance of fresh fruit is used to make refreshing drinks, including lime, lemon, strawberry, cherry, and much more.
For handcrafted and hand painted items such as belts, horse halters and chaps, “Naumann’s Notions” has a selection of things to chose from, plus items can be personalized with names on them or preferred designs. Janice and Damon Naumann explained they enjoy traveling the country to come to Huron and set up their booth at the rodeo.
“We love the rodeo; it’s a fun good way to raise kids,” Janice said. “We like to do as much handmade as we can also, authentic and made in America.”
One of the presenting sponsors for the rodeo, “Gist Silversmith’s” provides buckles to be awarded for the rodeo, and they also have a booth set up in the Nordby Exhibit Hall.   
“We work with states and provinces all year long,” said V.P. of Marketing and Development Jennifer Folsom. “The company is based in Placerville, California, and we come to do major events as sponsors.”
Specializing in rough stock equipment, is “Barstow Pro Rodeo,” from Corsicana, Texas.
Barstow’s has a selection of bull riding ropes and equipment for horses, with the family trade continuing strong.
“My Grandpa started this business,” explained Dalton Hodge. “Best in the world.”
Vendors are on the fairgrounds throughout the duration of the rodeo and is free to shop. So for some cowboy or cowgirl related shopping, or the chance to walk around and visit with the vendors that have travelled to the Huron community, make tracks for the state fairgrounds this weekend.

PHOTO BY ANGELINA DELLA ROCCO/PLAINSMAN
Shane Lowder, one of the owners of “Firepit Jerky,” one of the numerous vendors in Huron for the National Junior High Finals Rodeo, prepares lemons for a fruit drink while his wife Galina looks on.