FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 17, 2026  

MEDIA CONTACT: Candi Briley, candi.briley@state.sd.us 

 

Thunder at the Fair Truck and Tractor Pull Returns 

 

HURON, S.D. – The South Dakota State Fair is excited to announce that Thunder at the Fair Truck and Tractor Pull, sponsored by American Bank & Trust, is returning. The Truck and Tractor pull will be held on Monday, September 7, 2026, at 1 P.M. CT. 

 

Fans can expect an exciting afternoon featuring the 2026 Case IH Thunder in the Dirt Outlaw Pulling Series. The series will showcase five national classes: Super Farm Tractors, Light Pro Stock Tractors, Light Super Stocks, NA 2WD, and Light Limited Mod Tractors. Competitors from across the Midwest will go head‑to‑head for top honors and championship points. 

 

“The energy and intensity of the truck and tractor pull are unmatched,” said Peggy Besch, South Dakota State Fairgrounds Manager. “We can’t wait to see those engines roar and the grandstand packed with fans enjoying every moment. It’s powerful, it’s exciting, and it’s the perfect way to wrap up the 2026 State Fair!” 

 

Ticket presale for backrest signage holders and Friends of the Fair runs Monday, May 11, through Thursday, May 14. Tickets go on sale to the general public at 8:00 A.M. CT on Tuesday, May 19. 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. 

 

Thunder at the Fair Truck and Tractor Pull, sponsored by American Bank & Trust, joins previously announced Jake Owen welcomed by Legend Seeds, Red Wilk Construction Tuff Hedeman Bull Bash, and Nate Smith welcomed by Pioneer for the grandstand line-up. 

 

The 2026 South Dakota State Fair kicks off on Channel Seeds Opening Day, Wednesday, September 2, and runs through Monday, September 7. 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. 

 

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