The 81st annual Santa Maria Elks Rodeo & Parade opens next week and one lucky little buckaroo can get the ride of his — or her — life during the May 30 Mutton Bustin’ event, courtesy of Noozhawk.

On Wednesday, we’ll draw the name of the rider who will represent Noozhawk in the event at the Elks Unocal Events Center, 4040 Highway 101 in Santa Maria.

In mutton bustin’, children cling to sheep for as long as possible as the animals race around the rodeo arena trying to escape their rider’s grasp.

Kids who wish to compete in mutton bustin’ as the Noozhawk rider — the only spot still unfilled in this year’s rodeo — are invited to click here to apply for the drawing to be held May 22.

Contestants must be between the ages of 5 and 7 as of May 30, 2024, and weigh no more than 60 pounds. The Noozhawk rider — and his or her family — will receive rodeo tickets, as well as the thrill of the spill, er, ride.

Santa Maria Elks Rodeo Lineup

This year’s Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association rodeo runs May 30 through June 2, and features some of the most prominent rodeo cowboys, cowgirls and animals in the country.

In addition to Mutton Bustin’, the lineup includes six PRCA events — Team Roping, Bull Riding, Bronc Riding, Bareback Riding, Tie Down Roping and Steer Wrestling — along with the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association Barrel Racing and Breakaway Roping, specialty acts, The Flying Cowboys, Junior Breakaway Roping, Elks Team Roping and much more.

Know Before You Go

Rodeo general admission tickets for the 7 p.m. May 30 performance are $20 for adults, $15 for age 62 and over, and free for children up to 12.

General admission tickets for the May 31-June 2 performances are $30 for adults and $17 for children ages 3 to 12.

Box seats are $50 per person for all four performances.

Click here to purchase tickets online.

Click here for more information on the 81st annual Santa Maria Elks Rodeo & Parade. Connect with the Santa Maria Elks Rodeo & Parade on Facebook, or follow the Santa Maria Elks Rodeo on Instagram.