Mid way on the Midway, at the San Angelo Fairgrounds, there is a covered area adorned by Twin Mountain Fence Company banners behind a large sectioned off area of gray fence rails, meticulously placed. Miniature livestock shoots and runs mimic what the adult Rodeo performers use behind a well-padded dirt-filled arena for the entrants to ride. Overall, when it comes to the Twin Mountain Midway Mutton Bustin,' this popular competition is an attraction for spectators of all ages at San Angelo's Stock Show & Rodeo annual event.
Yesterday marked the operation's 5th annual debut.
"I have been doing this event for the last five years," said Spokesperson Annette Dixon, office coordinator with Angelo State University's Agriculture Department and a member of the Mutton Bustin' Committee. "The event usually takes place in between the rodeo performances. One time, last year, we had nearly 200 participants for one session. All of the fees collected go back into the Stock Show and Rodeo Association as Twin Mountain Fence supplies everything to make the event possible."
Above: Austin and Stephanie Huckabee (LIVE! Photo/Holiday Bailey)
Dixon's daughter, Kailey Roberts, Roberts, Crockett County Extension Agent for FCS and volunteer for the event, said the "age range of participants was averaging between 4 and 8 years old," and there were about the same number of girls as boys wanting to ride. Additionally, participants who possess a certain skill level at riding are on occasion invited to ride again in a segment during the rodeo and could possibly win a prize such as a belt buckle.
During the 4 p.m. event, lines of parents and small children anxiously awaited their moment to shine while several large sheep stood corralled nearby. When they stepped up to the registration table to sign up, Roberts helped parents sign the necessary forms and asked each child a few questions to ease their tension.
Above: Austin Huckabee (LIVE! Photo/Holiday Bailey)
"What is your name? How much do you weigh? What school do you go to?" and "What is your favorite food?" were just a few questions Roberts asked each participant. Roberts said although the sheep may weigh close to 200 pounds, for safety reasons, the entrants are required to weigh no more than 50 pounds. For those participants who weren't certain, Roberts had a scale available.
To participate in the event, riders had to pay $5 to $10, which depended on the school they attended. Some schools were listed for a discount, including Reagan Elementary, Holiman Elementary, Alta Loma and Home school students. Additionally, riders were allowed to enter more than once on the same day, but were charged for each ride accordingly.
Once the fee was paid, the contestant stood in line with their parent or guardian and awaited their turn. The goal of Mutton Bustin' is to stay on as long as possible, and those awaiting their turn watched as some riders toppled to the side and met the dirt as soon as they left the gate.
One Copperas Cove boy in a huge beige cowboy hat, 7-year-old Austin Huckabee held his mother's hand tightly and chewed at his lip. He focused intensely on his surroundings. Austin weighs 45 pounds and he was about to ride his first sheep ever. He turned and looked at his mother, Stephanie Huckabee,and asked, "Can I ride?" She responded with confidence, "I'm not worried." Shyly, Austin nodded and said, "I'm ready, scared, and excited at the same time."
When his turn came, a volunteer opened the gate for Austin and he entered the chute area. The gatekeeper then guided him to a volunteer who helped him suit up. Stephanie watched anxiously from a distance. The staff of volunteers were extremely conscientious helping him put on a helmet with a face guard and protective vest, all size appropriate. Once he was ready, Austin patiently watched the rider before him, and soon it was his turn. The staff instructed him to "bend his knees together and hold on real tight."
After the announcer introduced the young boy, the gate flung open, and the lamb took off running with Austin hanging on for dear life. The crowd cheered with excitement, and like many before him, seconds later, he was escorted back to the pen area and the gear was removed. Once he returned to his mother's side, Austin was asked if he enjoyed his ride. The boy shook his head "no," made a grimacing face, and gazed toward the ground. Moments later, he perked up and said, "I want to go again."
Above: (LIVE! Photo/Holiday Bailey)
Austin wasn't the only one who experienced the nerves and excitement all at once.
As the sun went down, the crowd continued to cheer as rider after rider tested their luck aiming to stay on the longest. Five-year-old John Hedden, a pre-kindergarten student from McGill Elementary, had just completed his ride and happily ran to his father Steven Hedden's arms.
"He rode last year, so this is his second time" said Steven. After his ride, the family posed for a photo and went off to enjoy the many other activities the midway has to offer.
Above: The Heddens Family (LIVE! Photo/Holiday Bailey)
All in all, the first day of Mutton Bustin' was a success, and many riders walked away with smiles and a sense of pride, as did their families.
Dixon said none of this would have been possible without the help of volunteers. She added that many of the volunteers involved are previous or present students at ASU.
Dixon also said yesterday's event was one of many. For those young riders wishing to try their luck in this contest, there will be many more opportunities. Below is a schedule of dates and times for more Mutton Bustin'.
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