FAITH, S.D. – While there were plans for one of the largest ropings in the region to get underway today at the longest running stock show and rodeo in South Dakota, Mother Nature had other plans.
The Dakota Championship Roping that usually opens the Faith Stock Show & Rodeo, Tuesday, August 8, 2023, had to be postponed due to heavy rainfall over the past week.
According to organizers, the arena will be left to continue drying in order to make for the best ground for the US Open Extreme PRCA Bronc Match set for Wednesday, August 9, 2023.
“These ropings have expanded quite a bit over the years,” says secretary and volunteer Gnene Fordyce. “Well over 100 teams in each event compete in open and numbered ropings. Ropers come in from Wyoming, Montana, South and North Dakota.”
Fordyce said organizers will decide later in the day on Tuesday as to whether the roping can be held. Check the Faith Stock Show & Rodeo Facebook page for updates or call organizers.
Meanwhile, the 113th event will swing open the gates for what is recognized as the first stand-alone bronc match in the country, the US Open Extreme PRCA Bronc Match that gets underway at 7p.m., Wednesday, August 9, 2023. A futurity will be held at 10:00a.m., that showcases younger rough stock that contractors will add to their bucking strings.
Also part of the arena action on Wednesday is the “Riding For Pedro” High School Saddle Bronc competition beginning at 6:00p.m. Bronc riders Toarin Humble, Faith, Tait Eaton, Belle Fourche, Easton West, New Underwood, Lanny Brooks, Faith, Cade Costello, Reva, and Tyler Martin, Faith, are in the lineup.
“We honor Pedro Dennis, Philip, S.D., who was an up and coming high school roughstock star in South Dakota,” explained bronc match producer Rory Lemmel. “He lost his life in his freshman year of high school and athletes in high school rodeo choose to honor his memory in this way.”
The memorial roughstock event is free to the public.
Fordyce reminds spectators that the first 500 people who arrive for the US Open Extreme PRCA Bronc Match immediately following, will enjoy a meal with their ticket, courtesy of Faith Livestock Auction.
See schedules and more on Facebook.
