More than a show, Bishop Mule Days shares heritage

From Staff reports

BISHOP — For five days, every Memorial Day weekend, more than 25,000 fans from around the U.S. and the world converge on Bishop for this colorful and fun festival. It is a tradition that began in 1969 as a send-off event for local packers and outfitters to get the summer season going.

Today, more than 700 mules with their trainers, riders and packers attend 14 mule shows that include equestrian disciplines such as Western, English, youth, barrel racing, gymkhana, packing, shoeing, chariot racing, team roping and driving. The result is a tremendous display of human and animal skills.

“The excitement of mule days is not exclusive to mule owners,” said Executive Director Donna Bird. “It’s a family-oriented event that celebrates all equestrian genres. Many of our guests that come to watch the event don’t own animals. They’re just here to be a part of the history of the event, and in doing so, they help support the local economy.”

One of the biggest draws is the the longest running non-motorized parade, as recognized in the Guinness Book of World Records, Bird said.

“It’s an amazing sight,” she added. “This year we’re excited to have as our Grand Marshall Congressman Kevin Kiley. He will be joining us from Washington, and so will Senator Maria Alvarado Gill, who will be making her second visit here. We’re very happy to have them as they are both supporters of backcountry and wilderness.

“Senator Maria Alvarado Gill also sits on several Veterans committees in California, and our Sunday show is a tribute to our U.S. veterans — so we are proud to have them here to be a part of that celebration too.”
For entertainment, 2019 American Idol winner Chayce Beckham will perform Thursday night, amd Justin Lawrence & The Double Average Band perform Saturday night.

Bishop Mule Days, a California 501c3 public benefit charity, appreciates tax-deductible donations for its programs, including support for local organizations that volunteer at Bishop Mule Days. Among those groups are 4-H, FFA, sports, drill and spirit teams at Bishop High School, Home Street School Eastern Sierra and Mammoth High School, and Lee Vining PTO.

“If anyone would like to support mule days in any way, we do have a a donate button on our website as well as a QR code,” said Bird. “With the rising cost of doing business and insurance and everything, any support would be greatly appreciated. As a 5013 public benefit charity, we in turn support over a dozen local youth organizations that help provide labor to make our event possible.”

MORE ONLINE: Https://bit.ly/403mules