The South Dakota State Fair is excited to announce the return of the Red Wilk Construction Tuff Hedeman Bull Bash. This event kicks off the 2025 State Fair grandstand lineup with two nights of bucking bulls beginning on Channel Seeds Opening Day Wednesday, August 27, and on Thursday, August 28. Both nights are scheduled to begin at 8 P.M. CT.
Tuff Hedeman, a four-time world champion bull rider, Pro Rodeo Hall of Famer, and one of the most recognizable cowboys in the world, is coming back to the State Fair with 24 of the top cowboys for his annual Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Tour. Each evening features two hours of adrenaline-pumping action played out in a sudden-death-style tournament. The bull riding starts with Tuff’s “Bounty Bull” night on Wednesday and continues Thursday night in a tournament-style event and “Shoot Out” round where the bulk of the prize money, championship title, and custom prizes are awarded.
The Red Wilk Construction American Hero Award will also be presented during the event. Since 2013, Red and his family have honored more than 100 Veterans across South Dakota.
“We couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome back the Red Wilk Construction Tuff Hedeman Bull Bash to the State Fair grandstand!” said Peggy Besch, South Dakota State Fairgrounds Manager. “This action-packed event is a fan favorite, delivering heart-pounding excitement year after year. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or experiencing it for the first time, you’re in for an unforgettable ride! A huge thank you to Tuff Hedeman and the Wilk family for continuing to bring this incredible event to our fair—fairgoers won’t want to miss it!”
Ticket presale for backrest signage holders and Friends of the Fair begins Monday, June 2, through Thursday, June 5. Tickets go on sale to the public at 8 A.M. CT on Monday, June 9. Pricing and ticket information can be found at www.sdstatefair.com.
The backrest signage program is an advertising program allowing businesses or individuals to put signage on a backrest in the grandstand. Backrest holders can purchase State Fair grandstand tickets for their corresponding signage area before general ticket sales. Additional information and pricing can be found at sdstatefair.com.
Friends of the Fair is a program through the State Fair Foundation offering a variety of benefits, including early bird access to State Fair VIP table sales, presale access to grandstand reserved seating and standing room tickets for the State Fair, complimentary daily gate admission passes, and recognition on the State Fair website.
The Red Wilk Construction Tuff Hedeman Bull Bash joins previously announced Larry the Cable Guy welcomed by Legend Seeds for the grandstand line-up.
The 2025 South Dakota State Fair kicks off on Channel Seeds Opening Day, Wednesday, August 27, and runs through Monday, September 1. For more information, contact the State Fair office at 800-529-0900, visit www.sdstatefair.com or check it out on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
Comments