The South Dakota State Fair Foundation has announced the first SoDak National Junior Rodeo, scheduled for October 10-12, 2025, at the Dakota Events CompleX (DEX) on the South Dakota State Fairgrounds in Huron. Peggy Besch, manager of the South Dakota State Fairgrounds, expressed enthusiasm about the event, stating, “We are excited to showcase the DEX and welcome young athletes from across the region and nation to our great state and this amazing facility.” She added that hosting such events was part of their vision when building the facility.
The rodeo is open to youth aged 10 to 18 as of October 10, 2025. It will feature various events including Girls Barrel Racing, Bareback Riding, Girls Breakaway Roping, Bull Riding, Girls Goat Tying, Girls Pole Bending, Saddle Bronc Riding, Steer Wrestling, Team Roping, and Tie Down Roping. The competition will begin with $15,000 in added money along with prizes such as custom saddles and buckles for top competitors.
To attract participants from outside South Dakota and enhance competition levels, additional incentives are offered. For every 35 entries in a particular event, an extra $1,000 will be added to that event’s prize money. There is also a dedicated side pot for contestants traveling over 300 miles and an option for contestants to enter each event twice.
South Dakota participants can take part in the South Dakota River Rivalry. This involves a competition between East River and West River teams based on performances in the short go championship round. Winning team members will have their names on a trophy and receive an additional $100.
Entries for the rodeo open on Friday, August 1. More information is available at sdstatefair.com/thedex/sodaknational or by calling the SD State Fair Office at 605.353.7340.
Information from this article can be found here.
