Registration open for Mutton Bustin' at the Northwest Montana Fair & Rodeo

Registration is now open for children who want to participate in Mutton Bustin' during the 2026 Northwest Montana Fair & Rodeo, set for Aug. 12-16 at the Flathead County Fairgrounds in Kalispell.

The popular event will take place during the first half of each night of the PRCA Rodeo on Aug. 13-15. Mutton Bustin' gives young riders the chance to test their skills by holding on to a sheep for as long as possible before the cheering rodeo crowd.

Sponsored by Kalispell Electric Cooperative and Justin Boot Company, the competition will award each night's winner a pair of Justin Junior boots.

Children must be 5 to 7 years old, weigh no more than 55 pounds and have a signed parental consent form to be eligible to participate.

A drawing will be held to select up to 24 contestants. Registration for the drawing is available at CHS, Western Outdoor, Murdoch's in Kalispell and Columbia Falls, and the Flathead County Fairgrounds office through 2 p.m. on July 31. Priority will be given to children who have not previously participated in Mutton Bustin'. Families of selected contestants will be notified by phone.

For more information about the Northwest Montana Fair & Rodeo and to purchase event tickets, visit nwmtfair.com.