The Red Wilk Construction Tuff Hedeman Bull Bash
HURON – $50,000 is up for grabs as professional cowboy athletes make their way to Huron for the 2019 Red Wilk Construction Tuff Hedeman Bull Bash. Returning for two performances, the Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding tour is the lead Grandstand event at the South Dakota State Fair on August 27 and 28 at 8 pm. The 2019 edition features a fierce battle of great bulls matched up against top riders - wrapped around upbeat music and enthusiastic fans.
The Bull Bash is a fifteen-year-old tradition at the fair with Pro Rodeo Hall of Famer and four-time World Champion Bull Rider Tuff Hedeman commanding the chutes since 2005. The pioneer of the sport of bull riding returns with 40 professional bull riders this year, veterans and young guns who will face the top bulls on tour to kick off the fair with the fabulous family-friendly good time event.
“I am never happy with just good, our team works harder each year to bring a better experience to the fans," said Hedeman, who has been producing bull riding since 1992.
New this year at the fairgrounds will be the Tuff Hedeman Stick Bull Riding competition. Hedeman invites boys and girls six years of age and under to strut their stuff before the professional cowboys take the dirt. There is zero entry fee for the budding bull riders, and girls and boys are welcome — entries email Jacey.Hupp@state.sd.us.
In addition to the bull riding action, Red Wilk will introduce a Western Wish grant recipient and honor veterans at the American Hero Award ceremony, at an extraordinary intermission rite.
“The true meaning of the American Hero award is Red Wilk, proving that people care about these guys and what they did. It's unbelievable how important that is, and this ceremony reminds people as a country we can never forget and never let them think we don’t care,” said Hedeman.
Three South Dakota bull riders attempting to make a name for themselves and pick up a hall pass to the Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Tour will compete in Huron on Wednesday and Thursday night against the field of champions and top-ranked bull riders.
“Greatness is earned and not given and these new riders, some from South Dakota, that show up here and have talent, we give them an opportunity to compete, they are earning it,” said Hedeman.
South Dakota bull riders Trevor Easton, Wessington Springs, Dustin Hall of Redfield, Dillan Cronk of Mitchell, will compete against athletes from 10 states and Mexico. Young hotshots like to compete and you betcha the local fans will be cheering to help them make 8. The Red Wilk Construction THBR Bull Bash at the South Dakota State Fair is the only Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding stop in South Dakota.
A few of the contenders entered this year include Foster McCraw, Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo bull riding champion, Clancy Hart, son of 1999 PBR World Champion Cody Hart. The only bull rider to win the National High School and College bull riding finals, Trey Holston, returns after winning in Huron in 2017. Isanti Pro Rodeo champ and Cheyenne round winner Matt Palmer and Cheyenne top 5 finisher Joseph McConnel, to name a few.
In addition to the bull riding action Red Wilk will honor veterans at the American Hero Award ceremony, at an extraordinary intermission rite.
Night one will include a $10,000 long round and a bounty bull worth $10,000, but the highest score from round one rider has to hang on long enough to hear the whistle if he plans to collect the cash. The bounty bull is selected by Hedeman and will be announced at a later date.
Thursday night’s lineup will follow Hedeman’s three-round tournament-style format which is popular with fans as it allows them to see their favorite riders challenge as many as three bulls in one night. As the bull riders progress each earning money for their qualified rides, the final four-man Shoot Out round determines the winner and the bulk of the $30,000 prize money.
The stick bull riding will begin at 6:30 followed by the bull riding action at 8. This year’s line-up includes barrel man extraordinaire Johnny Dudley and the Tuff Hedeman cowboy lifesavers, bullfighters Bryce Redo and Beau Schueth.
The competition is also part of the Tuff Hedeman Bull Team Challenge. Bull owners will bring three bulls featured during the first two rounds of competition with $50,000 up for grabs for the teams with the highest scores.
Immediately following the bull riding, fans will get a chance to meet and get autographs from the bull riders and Tuff Hedeman.
The Red Wilk Construction Bull Bash will be held at the South Dakota State Fairgrounds, 1060 3rd St. SW. Tickets are on sale. Tickets are $12 for youth and $20 for adults and are available by calling 866-605-FAIR, Red Wilk Construction Bull Riding tickets or online www.sdstatefair.com.
A list of contestants will be available at a later date.
For interviews, press credentials and additional information please contact Leigh Ann Schroeder, 940.902.1112 or tuffhedemanpr@gmail.com.