By NICK YAMASHITA
The Progress
With the Clark County Fair and Rodeo rolling into town next month, one of the biggest events is expanding.
The mutton-busting event coordinator Randy Dalley said they have had to add more competition times to accommodate the growing desire and popularity of the event this year.
“Our goal this year was to try and give more kids opportunity to ride,” Dalley said.
Last year the event had to turn down quite a few kids, Dalley said. At the end of the 2023 fair they brought up that issue and started the conversation with the Fair planning group, he said.
The result was adding another competition round on Wednesday and Thursday. Previously, only one competition round and one championship round was held on those days. Now there will be two rounds and the championship round on those two days
“Even with the addition, we only have four spots open at the moment,” Dalley said. “It fills up fast!”
However he said if “little cowboys and cowgirls” don’t get on the reserved list to ride, they can sign up for the standby list. The standbys will replace any “no shows” for the rounds. Standby competitors need to arrive and enlist 30 minutes prior to the scheduled round, Dalley said.
To accommodate the eager crowds of competitors, the event also has brought in more sheep. Approximately 60 sheep will be used to ensure the health and safety of both the rider and the ride.
“The sheep are okay and safe,” Dalley said. “They are treated really well with plenty of grazing area and can rest with lots of shade.”
Of course to ensure safety there are rider rules. No open-toed shoes are allowed. The event is limited to kids ages 4-7 with a maximum of 60 lb. weight.
Because of the popularity of the event, there are more bleacher seats being added around the arena. Nevertheless, these still fill up with fans, Dalley said.
“It has grown so much and fans love watching the kids take on the challenge and finding accomplishment,” he added.
The overall experience with how kids emotionally are has been varied, Dalley added. Most are intimidated at first. But after the ride, they are all smiles as they get the sense of overcoming something that scares them, he said.
There will be two competition rounds at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. each day with 15-17 riders each. The top five of each round will move on to the championship round at 5 p.m.
Winners will receive a championship belt buckle provided by corporate sponsor Lin’s Marketplace.
Dalley reminded all potential riders that the last four spots are available online at www.ccfair.com.
“Riders, do your best. Grip it and let it rip,” he said. “Fans, show up and support the kids and make them feel special. It’s all about them.”
The Clark County Fair and Rodeo is April 10-14.
