The highly anticipated Okmulgee Invitational Rodeo is fast approaching, and this year’s Mutton Bustin’ competition is set to be one of the highlights. Sheryl Montgomery, one of the organizers, shared her enthusiasm for the event, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the young participants.
The highly anticipated Okmulgee Invitational Rodeo is fast approaching, and this year’s Mutton Bustin’ competition is set to be one of the highlights. Sheryl Montgomery, one of the organizers, shared her enthusiasm for the event, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the young participants.
“I just want to, like, recognize the little kids,” said Montgomery. “All the grownups get the recognition ... so what we try to do is take the entry fees and put that money back into prizes for the kids. This year, we’re giving them all backpacks donated by a foundation in Tulsa, and we’re still deciding what to fill them with.”
Mutton Bustin’ is a beloved rodeo event where children, aged seven and under and weighing 80 pounds or less, ride sheep for as long as they can. Montgomery explained, “We have a company that brings in the sheep and sets the age and weight limits. It’s the cutest thing you ever see.”
Montgomery highlighted the excitement and community spirit surrounding the event. “Last year, a girl won first place on Saturday night, and we see a lot of out-ofstate kids doing this, but we also want our local kids to participate,” she said. “It’s getting better every year.”
The competition takes place on both Friday and Saturday nights, with a cap of 30 participants each night. “It’s been working out really well,” Montgomery said. “We just started accepting entries last week, and it’s filling up quickly.”
Parents interested in registering their children for Mutton Bustin’ can do so for $25 per night. Registration is open until all spots are filled, with about 15-18 spots still available for Friday and 1015 for Saturday. To register, parents can cash app the entry fee to Sherl Montgomery or Kim Whayne. If spots are still available on the night of the event, on-site registration will be accepted.
In addition to the fun and excitement, Montgomery and her team focus on making the event rewarding for the kids. “Every child will get a backpack, and we try to go as far as we can with the prize money,” she explained. “Last year, we were able to go up to fifth place with prizes.”
Looking to the future, Montgomery expressed her hopes of establishing scholarships for the young rodeo participants. “I would love to start scholarships for these kids,” she said. “It’s becoming a legitimate sport, and parents spend a lot of money. It would be great to help them build their future.”
The Okmulgee Invitational Rodeo will take place on Friday, August 9, and Saturday, August 10. For those interested in participating or donating items for the backpacks, Sherl Montgomery can be reached at the Okmulgee Daycare or Biggs Daycare.
Montgomery’s passion for the event and the kids shines through. “I just want the kids to have something to say they accomplished,” she said. “It’s just like a kid learning their ABCs; they’re proud of what they’ve done.”
As the rodeo approaches, the excitement in the community is palpable. This year’s Mutton Bustin’ promises to be a memorable event, showcasing the talents and determination of the youngest cowboys and cowgirls.
