An overwhelming number of interested participants in the Trinity Valley Exposition’s mutton bustin’ competition for youths aged 3-7 has prompted a few changes this year, according to TVE spokesperson Gina Worthy.
“Last year we could only take 50 kids and had to turn just as many away,” Worthy said.
In order to give all children a chance to compete, the mutton bustin’ competition will begin with a qualifying round at the TVE Youth Rodeo on Saturday, Sept. 29. The top 30 children who qualify will move on to a second round of competition during the TVE rodeo on Wednesday, Oct. 17.
“The top 10 from Wednesday will move on to a competition on Friday, Oct. 19, and the top five will compete in the finals on Saturday, Oct. 20,” Worthy said.
Buckles will be awarded to the top qualifier in the youth rodeo and the final winner of the Oct. 20 rodeo. The deadline to enter the mutton bustin’ competition is Sept. 14 and entries must be submitted online at http://www.tvefair.com on the youth rodeo tab.
The youth rodeo will provide plenty of opportunities for children 0-19 to compete in rodeo events. Categories are divided into the following: Peanut, 0-5; Mutton Bustin’, 3-7; Sub Junior, 6-9; Junior, 10-14; Senior, 15-19 (must be in high school); and Team Roping, all ages.
The Peanut age group will compete in Lead Line Barrels, Stick Horse Barrels, Goat Ribbon Pull and Dummy Roping. Sub Junior will compete in Barrels, Poles, Dummy Roping, Straight Barrels and Goat Tying. Juniors and Seniors will compete in Barrels, Poles, Goat Tying, Breakaway, Calf Roping and Ribbon Pulling.
In addition, all age groups can enter a youth team roping contest. The cost varies per event. For more information, go online to http://www.tvefair.com.