HURON — For the second consecutive year, the South Dakota Rodeo Association Finals are slated to be held at the Dakota Events Complex (DEX) on the South Dakota State Fairgrounds.

The season-ending event will feature three performances, with the first slated for 6:30 p.m. Friday. The second performance is at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, with the final performance set for 1 p.m. Sunday.

“All the SDRA contestants and fans enjoyed their time in Huron last year and are excited to come back,” said Judy Stevens of Huron, who is the vice president on the SDRA Board of Directors. “The Huron Chamber & Visitor’s Bureau, along with the South Dakota State Fair staff, do a tremendous job of hosting this event.”

Each performance will consist of the top 12 in the standings, from 13 different events, competing.

“They are vying for trophy saddles, buckles and money, so in each event you’re going to see the best cowboys and cowgirls from South Dakota competing here at the DEX here in Huron,” Stevens said.

Friday is the Night of Legends, honoring Jerry and Sue Golliher of Belle Fourche; Saturday is SDRA Honoree Night with Francis and Karen Knippling of Wessington Springs being honored; and Sunday is the association’s Red, White & Blue Performance.

Sprinkled amongst the top competitors in South Dakota are several area cowboys and cowgirls.

Talon Ping of Highmore is currently fourth the SDRA men’s rookie standings. He is also ranked third in the bareback standings.

Tanegai Zilverberg of Holabird is sixth in ladies breakaway roping, while Tatum Carey of Huron is 11th.

Kyle Hapney of De Smet is fourth in the saddle bronc standings.
Blaine Carey of Huron is fourth in the senior men’s breakaway, while Fay Jandreau and Chuck Hamlin of Highmore are seventh and 10th, respectively, and Mark Schumacher of Wolsey is 12th.

In steer wrestling, Landon Sivertsen of Ree Heights is fourth, while Jason Hapney of Harrold is ninth and Colt Dunkelberger of Huron is 12th.

Mary Fawcett of Ree Heights, along with her teammates Lennie Steffen of Colome and Christine Connot of Milesville are fourth in team penning.

Tater Moody of Woonsocket is the fourth-ranked team roping header.

“This is the stepping stone,” Stevens said of the SDRA Finals. “We’ve had many National Champions at the National Finals Rodeo in Vegas and this is how they get their start.”

While fans will be treated to some incredible action inside the arena each performance, there will also be several events outside of the arena to partake in.

A Cowboy Christmas Trade Show is open each day of the event. The trade show opens at 4 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. Sunday.

A steer tripping event is slated for 3 p.m. Friday, with a team roping jackpot event slated for 9 a.m. Saturday and barrel racing exhibitions and jackpot to be held at 7 a.m. Sunday.

Also at 9 a.m. Sunday, a Cowboy Church service will be held at Horizon’s Hall.

Advance tickets for each performance are available at DD Western Wear in Huron, with $15 for adults and $5 for children ages 6-12. Tickets will also be available at the door during each of the performances and will run $20 for adults and $10 for children.

It was recently announced that the SDRA Board of Directors has accepted the bid for the 2025 and 2026 SDRA Finals to be held in Huron.

“The DEX provides a great rodeo atmosphere for our Finals,” Stevens said. “I’d like to see the stands filled with people.”