2012 Mutton Bustin'

Sponsored by: Bud Kendall and Kendall Cutting, LLC

THE SPIRIT OF MUTTON BUSTIN'
Sunny St. Claire, Contributing Writer

What is more fun than watching Mutton Bustin' at the Rodeo! Congratulations to our 2012 winners:

Saturday 6/30

1st Talon Confer, 5, La Pine
2nd Sierra Lane, 7, La Pine
3rd Ryan Mitchell,5, La Pine

Sunday 7/1

1st Alex Hunter, 6, La Pine
2nd Jedd Winn, 6, Vaccaville, CA
3rd Ella Dansky, 8, Bend

With all the 'organized chaos' pulling this together, do you know how many volunteers it takes to make it happen? Thanks: To Bud Kendall of Kendall Cutting for sponsoring Mutton Bustin' again this year; (The sponsor makes it possible for La Pine Rodeo to keep the event fee at $5.00 as it has been since it started. ) To our new sheep gal, Bridgett Sittell of Amber Creek Ranch; To Patti Starkey and Michaela "Legs" McKelvie for their help in sign up and on the chutes; (Guess who ran all the errands for us!) To the guys in the chutes, Art Gowdy, Don Sealy and Bridgett Sittell, reassuring and helping the kids as they mount for their ride; To Mike and Sheila McKelvie for transporting the sheep to and from the rodeo; To Kedo Olson, a great announcer, and Stacy Judd, a great photographer. Last, but certainly not least, Gavin Long was back for his second year as our Mutton Bustin' clown. He not only worked the sheep and helped the kids in the arena, but also gave them a pep talk and encouragement before the event. Gavin, you and your brother, Howie, who helped us with everything, are absolutely awesome! Thank you to one and all! It definitely takes a village!

This will be my last year to be in charge of Mutton Bustin'. I am turning the reins over to Patti Starkie who has helped immensely and will do a great job. It has been a great experience. The memories of all the supportive parents and the kids with their big smiles, sometimes tinged with fear, will warm my heart for a long, long time. Thank you Scott Morrison and the Rodeo Board for giving me the privilege of bringing this event along. I'll still be around helping Patti so see you next year.

Photos are by Stacy Judd

1. Talon Confer – This is Fun!

2. Alex Hunter – Here we go!

3. "Grandpa" Bud Kendall after 3 year old Atley's first ride.

2011 Mutton Bustin'