RAPID CITY, S.D. – As the Central States Fair gears up for the rodeo, some young children who can't ride bulls yet took part in the Mutton Bustin'.
Sunday, August 18th was the second day of Mutton Bustin' at the Central States Fair. The finals will be held on Monday, August 19th.
“This is an event that gets kids ages 3 to 6 involved in a rodeo competition that's safer than bull riding or horse romping,” said Paige VanderWerff, livestock education coordinator. “They're put on a sheep, they put their arms around it and they hang on as long as they can.”
Children are graded on how long they can stay awake.
“Well, basically you put the sheep in the chute, you open the chute, you put the lamb on top of the sheep and you time it from the moment the chute opens to the moment the sheep falls out and hits the ground,” said Camera Kopp, Miss Central States Fair.
Many kids come dressed in rodeo outfits, just like they will when they are old enough to ride bulls or burly horses.
“My favorite part is seeing all the kids come in all dressed up in their chaps and rodeo vests and hats,” VanDerWerff said, “and they're all ready to go on the rides. I remember the first time I went on one and I'm so excited. The kids are always so adorable.”
Many rodeos can't host an event like this because of the extra preparation required, but luckily the Central States Fair has everything you need.
“Sometimes it's not as common as you might think,” VanderWerff said, “meaning you have to take the time to do it properly. At a real rodeo, you don't always have the time or the space to have sheep to do it, so I'm happy we can do it here.”
One of the riders, Colton Kunde, expressed confidence in his abilities ahead of Sunday's competition. “I think I can win,” he said.
Colton played exactly how he wanted, lasted longer than any other kid, and will play in the finals on Monday.
