Goat roping coming to 2023 Jewell County Fair

The Jewell County Fair will be held July 7, 8 and 9 in Mankato. A popular event sweeping the Midwest is being offered this year starting at 7 p.m., on Friday, July 7. RK Goat Ropings, Palmer, Kansas, will be setting up a 50 by 30 area inside of the outdoor arena and 2-person teams will do goat roping on foot, coming out of the header and heeler chutes with the intent to rope the goat. Two divisions of goat ropers, an adult division and an under 18 division, will be offered. Most goat ropings have a registration fee; however, the fair board will offer the event this year for no registration fee and also has four sets of ropes available for use by the participants.

A recent goat roping in event in Nebraska had more than 400 teams participate, so this is an event that is definitely an opportunity for fun and entertainment. Cash prizes for the first through third teams in each division will be awarded. More information is available on the Jewell County Fair and Open Class Facebook page. Teams are encouraged to register by July 6 by following the link on the Facebook page; however, registrations will be taken until 6 p.m., on Friday night.

A ranch trail course event will be held after the goat roping on Friday night and is also a fun activity. Registration for the course will be at the arena on Friday night.

Friday night is not the only night of fun and excitement. Bull riding and mutton bustin’ will once again be presented by Mayfield Horse Company out of Seward, Nebraska, starting at 7 p.m., on Saturday, July 8, after the sanctioned pedal pull and popular bouncy houses and greased pig contest. This year, the No Excuses level of bull riding is being offered so there should be some exciting rides by talented riders.

Mutton bustin registration can be done on Saturday night by 6:15 p.m. Bull riding for the steers, dinky bulls, and big bulls is due by June 29. See the fair Facebook page for detailed information.