HURON — A wide range of activities, throughout the S.D. State Fairgrounds and even off the grounds, are there for everyone’s enjoyment beginning Thursday, when Wheel Jam 2022 cranks over and begins to purr.

Nearly 20 years ago, Wheel Jam began as a way to pay homage to those driving the big rigs that keep the country fed, clothed and put gas in their cars - just to name a few things.

This year’s event is no different, said organizer Scot Marone, who expects a wide range of vehicles to be on display June 2-5. In addition to the Lifetime Achievement Award and the Legacy Award that are presented during Wheel Jam, Marone noted that a new award will be created and presented this year, in memory of his brother Rick, who passed away last year.

“We’re calling it the ‘Rick Marone Memorial Award,’” Scot said. “It will be awarded to one truck and judging will be done by the Marone family.” Scot explained that as Rick was an artist, the award will go to whatever truck it seems to the family that is the lone truck that Rick would have like to have drawn.

“Rick was such a big part of this show every year,” and emotional Scot noted. “That’s why we wanted to do this…to pay tribute to him.”

Scot also encouraged those who make it to the fairgrounds to seek out the “Truckers Final Mile” 18-wheeler display, as well as the “One of Many” autism awareness truck.

Registration for the Wheel Jam Show n’ Shine will begin at noon on Thursday, in Younger Hall on the southwest corner of the midway asphalt pad, and will continue through Saturday. Food vendors are also available on the Fairgrounds each day of Wheel Jam.

Here are highlights of what is taking place each day of Wheel Jam. A full, up-to-the minute schedule can be found at wheeljamtruckshow.com.

Thursday
The opening night of Wheel Jam is dominated by race cars, as Dakotaland Federal Credit Union sponsors Wild Race Car Night, at Dakota State Fair Speedway.

Friday
Things swing into gear Friday evening. At 5 p.m. the annual Candy Weinreis Memorial Poker Run begins at the Red Arrow Bar, with registration. At the same time, the F.A.T. Friday Chili Challenge People’s Choice and Public Tasting is taking place near Gate 8, in the campground area on the southwest corner of the Fairgrounds, with awards set for 7:15 p.m.

At 8 p.m., the Big Jim Jam Fest doors open for the 9 p.m. show, featuring Eclipse, with Todd, all on the Freedom Stage and from 10 to 11 p.m., there is a Trucker Light Show, with classic rock and trucker music provided by Big Jim 93.3.

Saturday
There is something for everyone Saturday, as registration for the Classic Car and Motorcycle Show n’ Shine opens the day along with registration for the Sound Competition.

At 10:30 a.m., the Wheel Jam participants will take to the streets of Huron for the Wheel Jam Parade, followed at 11 a.m. by the Engine Brake competition, just south of Gate 4 on Nevada Ave. The Sound Competition (crank up those stereos!) will take place beginning at noon in the Hippodrome, while the Classic Car and Motorcycle show will take place on East Machinery Row.

At 1 p.m., the dynamic brake competition will take place, and at 2 p.m. there will be a Junior Achievement Bean Bag Tournament - registration opens at 1 p.m.

The Backyard BBQ People’s Choice public tasting will begin at 2 p.m. and the awards for the Original S.D. BBQ Competition are set to be handed out at 4:15 p.m.

At 6 p.m., Biker Games are set for the East side of the midway asphalt pad and immediately afterward, Keith Cundy will present the Double D Redliners Harley Stunt Show in the same area.

At 7 p.m., the green flag will drop on Challenge Cup XX at Dakota State Fair Speedway and at 8:30, things begin to get cranked up for the Devon Worley Band at the Freedom Stage

Sunday
Begin your Sunday with a pancake feed in the Women’s Building, hosted by the Christian Motorcycle Association and there is a worship service set for  11:15 a.m., also in the Women’s Building. Afternoon events include both the Xtreme Graphix Bike Show and the Backstreet Cruisers Car Show, with Wheel Jam 2022 Awards wrapping the weekend at 4 p.m.