Oct. 1, 2021

Fox News anchor Pete Hegseth will headline the 40th annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Dinner and Children’s Charity Fundraiser.

The Nov. 10 event will be at the Ramkota Exhibit Hall.

Hegseth is the co-host of “Fox & Friends Weekend” as well as multiple programs on Fox Nation, including the “Modern Warriors” and “Battle in the Holy Land” series. He is an Army veteran of Afghanistan, Iraq and Guantanamo Bay who holds two Bronze Stars and a Combat Infantryman’s Badge for his time overseas. He is the author of “Modern Warriors” and “American Crusade,” both of which were New York Times bestsellers.

The event was founded 40 years ago by Gene Abdallah as a way for local business and community leaders to come together and honor law enforcement officers throughout South Dakota. Drawing nearly 2,000 people annually, it also has raised millions of dollars for children’s charities in the name of law enforcement.

The event essentially is sold out already, so organizers aren’t actively selling tickets.

“It’s amazing that this event is now celebrating its 40th anniversary” said Scott Abdallah, co-chair of the annual event. “South Dakota continues to distinguish itself from other states by doing everything possible to support and honor our men and women in law enforcement.”

This year’s event will open with a performance by country music legends Kelley Lovelace and Neil Thrasher. Lovelace has written hit songs for artists such as Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood, Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Kenney Chesney, Keith Urban, Rascal Flatts, Sheryl Crow, Randy Houser, Scotty McCreary, Terri Clark, Montgomery Gentry and Joe Nichols.

Thrasher originally sang backing vocals on Garth Brooks’ 1990 album, “No Fences.” Over his lengthy career as a performer and writer, he has written songs for  artists such as Carrie Underwood, Reba McEntire, Jason Aldean, Rhett Akins, Kenney Chesney, Billy Ray Cyrus, Rascal Flatts, Tim McGraw, Luke Bryan, Collin Raye, Montgomery Gentry, Randy Houser, Bryan Austin, Ronnie Dunn and Tyler Farr.

“Because this year is our 40th anniversary, we wanted to do something extra special for law enforcement and our guests,” Abdallah said. “We wanted to bring Nashville to Sioux Falls and let our audience listen to some of the most iconic country music songs ever recorded, performed by the original artists who actually wrote the songs.”

Lovelace and Thrasher will perform at the Ramkota Exhibit Hall from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. with the formal program beginning around 6:45 p.m.