Fun on the Fourth

Thanksgiving and Independence Day are two memorials our family observes. This year there was some fun had on the fourth. . .

Havalah won first prize in the Rodeo for Mutton Bustin'. Yep this timeless sport of the West has its foundation in the days when wild woolly sheep were found in vast herds across the plains of Desseret. When the Pioneers first arrived in this untamed wilderness they would have their children climb trees next to these great herds and then when an unsuspecting wild woolly sheep would pass under the occupied branch. . .the child would drop onto the sheep's back and hold on for all that was dear and dinner. About seven miles later the sheep would submit in exhaustion and the brave child could lead the sheep back for supper or for domestication into the family

 herd. True as I am tall. . . my daughter would have been a first rate Mutton Buster and I, a wealthy shepherd.

J-Bo won first place in the Stick Horse race, another sport rich with Pioneer heritage. The Pioneers only had the provisions they brought with them. Before they would have a plentiful harvest they would have to sow and reap for a season or two. Horses eat a lot of hay so for many the Stick Horse was the only means of transportation. Naturally, when there was the rare

 opportunity, races were set and bets made (usually for the first dance with this or that lady) on the finest and fastest Stick Horse. One of my great grandfathers (incidentally, a renowned mezzo soprano) rode a Stick Horse named Splinters in many races. True as I am tall. . . J-B has followed in fine stead -- or would that be steed?

There were lots of other fun activities then later that night. . . Family at the fireworks!