FORT PIERRE – One of the nation’s largest high school rodeos is coming to Fort Pierre. For the first time, the Stanley County Fairgrounds will host the South Dakota High School State Finals Rodeo June 16-20. Organizers say that South Dakota’s High School Finals Rodeo is the third-largest such rodeo in the country.
Fort Pierre, which will also host the event in 2021, is just the fifth host town in the 71-year history of the event, joining New Underwood, Rapid City, Huron and Belle Fourche, which has hosted the Finals for the last 13 years.
Performers from across South Dakota will compete at a venue that has been much improved. In the last year and a half, the Stanley County Fairgrounds’ parking lot has been resurfaced, arenas have been moved and rebuilt, additional bleachers have been installed and extra lighting and electrical hookups have been added.
Protective guidelines will be in place for contestants and spectators.
Dakota Radio Group will provide complete coverage on 1060 AM/107.1 FM KGFX and 94.5/100.5 FM KPLO, with reports on results and interviews with competitors.
On Tuesday through Friday, you can see video streaming of performances at drgnews.com, with special thanks to South Dakota Public Broadcasting for their cooperation and permission.
More information about the Finals Rodeo, plus results, can be found on the South Dakota High School Rodeo Association website, sdhsra.com.
SDHSRA Executive Secretary Ann Sunderman is happy that the high school rodeos could happen after the pandemic scare.
Sunderman said that she and her organization never gave up on having regional and state rodeos.
Why was Fort Pierre chosen to host the state finals? Sunderman said that location is one reason.
Sunderman noted the improvements made by the Stanley County Fairgrounds.
If people are unsure whether they should attend, Sunderman had a straightforward answer.
Sunderman outlined safety measures that will be implemented.
Sunderman was asked if COVID-19 concerns could lower turnout.
