I haven’t been to a good rodeo for quite a while, but it looks like this weekend could be my chance. The South Dakota Rodeo Association is hosting their finals championship this weekend in Rapid City at the Pennington County Events Center.

The rodeo is the final event of the season for South Dakota cowboys and cowgirls who have been competing for points in state sanctioned rodeos for the past four months. Only the top 12 point earners from each event have won the right to compete this weekend in the finals championship.

The SDRA finals rodeo kicks off on Friday evening, October 23rd and runs through late Sunday afternoon. In addition to the traditional roping, riding and racing events, the finals rodeo will feature the South Dakota High School Rodeo Extravaganza.

This portion of the event will showcase the top up-and-coming rodeo athletes in the state. The top three competitors in each event will earn cash payouts for events such as bareback riding, calf roping, barrel racing and steer wrestling just to name a few.

Throughout the weekend, the Dakota Cowboy Christmas trade show will also be going on with exhibitors of all types avialable to answer questions and demonstrate their products.

Sunday morning at the event center grounds in Rapid City, there will be a Cowboy Christian church service held at 10:00 a.m. followed by the “Tough Enough to Wear Pink” rodeo events in the afternoon. Competitors and viewers are encouraged to wear pink to show support for breast cancer awareness.

The SDRA finals championship rodeo should be an exciting event for all to see. Tickets can be bought at the door at the Pennington County Events Center. So, dig out your boots and hats and I’ll see you at the rodeo.