‘The bravest kids in town’

Smiles abound at Bu alo Bill Days’ annual Mutton Bustin’ event

BY CORINNE WESTEMAN CWESTEMAN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

One by one, the riders came forward to introduce themselves to the crowd, sharing their names and their favorite foods. en, the reghters picked up the rider — who was wearing a helmet and chest pad — and set them atop a sheep.

Sometimes the sheep would set o without prompting, and sometimes it’d be a little reluctant to move and just start meandering away.

e riders clung onto the sheep as long as they could before they fell onto the Lions Park Ball eld dirt. Once everyone had taken their turn, organizer and emcee Bob Bush commended them all, saying, “You’re the bravest kids in town.”

On July 30, Golden’s annual Buffalo Bill Days festival hosted its traditional Mutton Bustin’ event with about 40 youngsters participating. e event is open to any children 6 or younger, and 50 lbs or under, although Bush said it works on an honor system.

Bu alo Bill Days, which ran from July 26-30 this year, features live music, food and craft vendors, and children’s activities throughout the weekend. ere are also special events for each day, such as the

Wednesday golf tournament and Saturday’s pancake festival’s hosted Mutton Bustin’ for at least 20 years, While mutton busting can be competitive at rodeos