Registration open for Mutton Bustin' at Northwest Montana Fair

Now is the time to register children for Mutton Bustin’ at this year’s Northwest Montana Fair and Rodeo, scheduled for Aug. 16-20 at the Flathead County Fairgrounds in Kalispell.

Mutton Bustin’ will take place at the opening of all three nights of the RAM PRCA Rodeo, Aug. 17-19. This crowd pleaser features children riding sheep and trying to hang on as long as possible. Mutton Bustin’ is sponsored by Kalispell Electric and Justin Boot Company. Each night’s winner of the competition will receive a pair of Justin Junior boots.

To be eligible for Mutton Bustin’, children must be ages five to seven, weigh no more than 55 pounds and submit a parental consent form. Contestants can register for the drawing at CHS, Western Outdoor, Murdoch’s (Kalispell & Columbia Falls) and the fairgrounds office until 4 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 4. Up to 24 children will be selected to compete, and priority will be given to children who have not previously participated. Drawing winners will be notified by phone.

Those wishing to enter 4-H/FFA or Open Class competitions may register online at www.nwmtfair.com/fairbook. All registrations must be received by 4:30 p.m. on Aug. 1, with the following exceptions: Registrations for the Agriculture/Horticulture competitions must be received by 4:30 p.m. on Aug. 13. Registrations for the Dahlias/Gladiolus and Floriculture competitions are not done online in advance, however, entries must arrive the day prior to judging.