Festival favorites make a return

Some old favorites are returning and a new competition will roar during John C. Fremont Days activities at Christensen Field.

Jason Garretson, director for Christensen Field events, said mutton busting will return this year to the annual John C. Fremont Days Rodeo.

Mutton busting allows children -- who are decked out in protective gear �” to try to stay on a bucking sheep similar to an adult cowboy in a bronco busting event.

“We’re trying to make it a family event,” Garretson said.

Rodeo Rose once again will produce the rodeo, scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Tickets are $8 in advance for those 13 and older and $2 in advance for children 6-12. Children younger than 6 are admitted free. At the gate, rodeo tickets are $10 for adults and $3 for children.

Advance tickets are available at Wal-Mart Supercenter, Wyatt’s Western Wear, Tractor Supply Company and the John C. Fremont Days office on the lower level of the Fremont Municipal Building, 400 E. Military Ave.

Garretson added that there will be no rodeo dance this year. Instead, a teen dance will be held in the Multi Purpose Building.

The stick horse rodeo will return at 4 p.m. Saturday.

Every child who enters the free event will get a cowboy hat, trophy and ribbon, Garretson said.

New this year will be a garden tractor pull on the east side of the outdoor horse arena.

Scheduled for noon on Sunday, the event is being organized by the Nebraska Garden Tractor Pullers. Admission will be free and Garretson said the pull should be wrapped up in time for people to attend the parade.