The two evening performances of the 52nd annual South Dakota 4-H Finals Rodeo this weekend (Aug. 18-20, 2023) in Fort Pierre will include some special recognitions…. but those being honored won’t be there.
Lay Board President Treg Cowan from Highmore says tonight’s performance is dedicated in honor of River Ludemann, a teenager from rural Fort Pierre who died as the result of a one vehicle accident in (May 27, 2023).
Cowan says tomorrow night’s performance is in honor of long-time 4-H supporters Bill and LaDonna Hupp of Huron and their granddaughter Harper Hupp. The three were killed in a home explosion south of Fort Pierre in May (May 24, 2023).
The colors for tomorrow night’s performance at the Stanley County Fairgrounds are SDSU blue to honor Bill and LaDonna and pink in honor of Harper.
Participants this weekend range in age from 8 to 18 years old and are competing for saddles, belt buckles and other prizes. Performance times are 5pm CT Friday, 9am and 5pm CT Saturday and 9am CT on Sunday. Spectator admission cost is $30 per person for all four performances or $10 per person per performance.