South Dakota rodeo standouts hosting inaugural showcase on Saturday in Huron
Nov. 21—HURON — As the cold weather sweeps into South Dakota, the newly opened Dakota Events Complex at the South Dakota State Fairgrounds will be red hot on Saturday, Nov. 25 as the top bull riders and breakaway ropers in the region put it all on the line at the inaugural Mason Moody and Jazz McGirr Invitational.
Moody and McGirr, both well-known in the northern Great Plains rodeo realm for their accomplishments, are thrilled to bring this event to the local community in an effort to shine a light on the immense up-and-coming talent in the region as well as to provide fans a way to celebrate and support the athletes.
With more than $5,000 on the line, talented athletes from South Dakota and the surrounding states will descend upon the 150,000 square foot, one-of-a-kind livestock and equestrian facility following the Thanksgiving holiday to showcase their talent and ambition.
"Growing up here in Huron, the fairgrounds has always played a big role in our lives," said breakaway roper Jazz McGirr. "It is so exciting to partner with Mason to bring this event to the new DEX building and showcase some of the immense bull riding and breakaway talent we have here in the area -all the while encouraging those athletes to pursue their dreams by giving them a stage for years to come."
Moody, an all-around cowboy from Letcher who finished his high school career at No. 8 in the country at the National High School Finals Rodeo, started competing in various rodeo events at the young age of 9. Securing his pro card the minute he turned 18, Moody has been pursuing his dream on the upper levels of the western world over the last several years on the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) Unleash The Beast tour and as athlete on the PBR Team Series' Nashville Stampede.
"Being able to put on an event like this with top-tier talent from our own local communities as always been a dream of mine," said Moody. "I have traveled the country with the best bull riders and rodeo athletes in the world and am so fortunate to have had the success I've had on that larger level these past few years, knowing that I had the support of everyone here at home. Jazz and I want to encourage other athletes to go after their dreams the same way."
The inaugural event begins at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 25 with a social and meet and greet with the contestants, followed by the draw for their team and stock. Each team will consist of one bull rider and one breakaway roper, giving attendees the chance to get in on the action as they are auctioned off in the calcutta. After the teams are set, the in-arena action kicks off at 7 p.m. Tickets will be $15 at the door for attendees.
