FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 3, 2025 

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

  

SoDak National Junior Rodeo Planned for Dakota Events CompleX 

 

HURON, S.D. - The South Dakota State Fair Foundation is announcing the inaugural SoDak National Junior Rodeo will take place on October 10-12, 2025, at the Dakota Events CompleX (DEX) on the South Dakota State Fairgrounds.  

 

"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," said Peggy Besch, manager of the South Dakota State Fairgrounds. “Hosting events like the SoDak National Junior Rodeo is exactly what we envisioned when we built this facility.” 

 

The SoDak National Junior Rodeo is open to youth ages 10 through 18 as of October 10, 2025. Events include: 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 SoDak National Junior Rodeo will start with $15,000 in added money, 12 custom saddles, three custom felt hats, and over 40 buckles for top competitors. Unique features aim to attract out-of-state participants and elevate the competition, including: 

• For every 35 entries for a particular event, an additional $1,000 in prize money will be added to that event, ensuring even larger payouts;
• A dedicated side pot for contestants traveling over 300 miles; and
• The option for contestants to enter each event twice, increasing their chances to win. 

 

South Dakota participants will participate in the South Dakota River Rivalry. Based on the performance of the top 10 competitors from East River and West River, the River Rivalry winning team will be decided by how the two teams perform in the short go championship round. Winning members will have their name included on a trophy, win an additional $100 in added money, and have bragging rights for the year. 

 

Entries open Friday, August 1. For more information, go to sdstatefair.com/thedex/sodaknational or call the SD State Fair Office at 605.353.7340. 

 

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