Yee Haw! Sign Up Now for Mutton Busting in Nacogdoches, Texas

It's Rodeo Time in Nacogdoches

March is here, and that means the Nacogdoches Pro Rodeo is just around the corner. This year's rodeo will take place March 23-25 at the Nacogdoches County Expo and Civic Center. The event will once again feature three great nights of some of the best cowboys and cowgirls from across the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA).

From bull riding to barrel racing to steer wrestling, there will be plenty of thrilling moments to keep you entertained, plus legendary barrel man Rudy Burns will keep you laughing.

Let's Get 'Wool'y

However, one of the most anticipated events of the rodeo happens before it officially gets underway. The Mutton Bustin' Championships presented by KICKS 105 will get underway each evening at 7 pm.

However, before the rodeo begins each night, KICKS 105 will once again be featuring youngsters from across the area in the Mutton Bustin' Competition.  That will kick off each evening at 7 p.m.  The Mutton Bustin' is also sponsored by Deep East Texas Electric Cooperative.

How to Register

You can already get the kids signed up for the chance to be drawn as one of the nightly competitors. Just drop by Boot Barn in the Northview Plaza in Nacogdoches. The registration deadline will be at 8 p.m. on Friday, March 17, 2023. Random drawings will determine the 15 contestants chosen to ride each night of the rodeo.

The announcement of the 45 total riders will be made on the Merrell in the Morning Show on KICKS 105, plus they will be posted on our website and KICKS 105 app which is free to download.

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Here are some of the mutton bustin' rules:

• The child must be between 3-7 years of age and weigh less than 60 pounds
• The child must have no major health problems
• If chosen, the child and parent/guardian must check-in at the mutton bustin' registration at the Expo Center no later than 6:30 on their night to ride.
• Children must be given instructions and safety equipment (vest/helmet) prior to participating.  Children not present by 6:45 will forfeit their spot.
• A judge will score each child's ride.
• A buckle will be awarded each night to the highest-scoring rider.  The winner and runner-up will both receive gift certificates to Splash Kingdom in Nacogdoches.
• The child riding will be given free admission into the rodeo.  All others accompanying the rider will be charged admission.  Tickets for the rodeo can be purchased here.
• A release of liability waiver must be signed by the parent/guardian for all riders.

Sign your young cowboys and cowgirls up soon.  In the meantime, here's a look at some of the photos of the mutton busting over the past few years at the Nacogdoches Pro Rodeo and Angelina County Benefit Rodeo.