PR CONTACTS

Jora Bart

651-312-3498

Ellen McNair

651-265-4819

RODEO CONTACT

Ann Bleiker

719-330-4293

SAINT PAUL, Minn. - World's Toughest Rodeo™ and hit country radio station K102 announced today that 30 lucky cowpokes will have the opportunity to participate in the "World's Toughest Mutton Bustin' Competition" at Xcel Energy Center on Thursday, Feb. 4 at 7 p.m.

Mutton bustin' is a popular rodeo event, similar to bull riding, in which children ride on sheep. Real life cowboys and rodeo personalities, including "America's Got Talent" semifinalist, rodeo announcer and charismatic trick roper Anthony Lucia and three-time Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association Clown of the Year Justin Rumford, will teach these future cowboys and cowgirls how to properly ride to get them ready for the competition.

Here's how the competition will work:

There will be two rounds of mutton bustin' each with 15 competitors
Whiplash the Cowboy Monkey and his Border Collie mount Boogie will make a special appearance as they help round up the Barbados sheep in between each round of bustin'.
A panel of esteemed judges from K102 and World's Toughest Rodeo will announce the top three "Busters" based on style and creativity.

Each participating child will receive a cowboy hat, official cowboy credentials, a "World's Toughest Mutton Buster" certificate and two (2) tickets to the Friday night rodeo. The three top "Busters" will also receive a championship belt buckle, four (4) tickets to the Friday night rodeo and a chance to mutton bust at the rodeo on Friday night.

Parents can visit k102.com to enter their little cowboy or cowgirl (ages 4 - 8, cannot weigh more than 50 pounds). The 30 lucky winners will be randomly selected and posted online at k102.com on Monday, Feb. 1 at 10 a.m.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. The "World's Toughest Mutton Bustin' Competition" is subject in all respects to the complete Official Rules available at k102.com.
World's Toughest Rodeo™ takes place Friday-Saturday, Feb. 5-6 at Xcel Energy Center starting at 7:30 p.m. each night. The popular "Party on the Dirt," featuring rising country star Granger Smith, will take place following Saturday night's rodeo action. Tickets are on sale now at the Xcel Energy Center Box Office, Ticketmaster Ticket Centers, charge by phone at 800-745-3000 or online at ticketmaster.com. Group rates (12+) are also available by calling 651-312-3486.