05/09/2007: "Mule Days countdown"

It's May and the corrals have been set up at the Tri-County Fairgrounds in Bishop, that can only mean one thing, it's almost Mule Days. In just two more weeks Bishop Ca will once again become the Ass Capital of the World. Our little town will swell to a population of over 30,000 people and 1000+ mules as mule lovers from around the world descend on the Owens Valley for the week long celebration of this wonderful animal.

It much more than just a party though. There is the serious business of the mule competitions where world champions will be crowned in many different events.

And don't forget the parade on Saturday. If you've never seen the Mule Days Parade then you haven't lived. (Or maybe your just smart, man that parade can be looooooong at times) It's the biggest non-motorize parade in the world.

This year the Budweiser Clydesdales will be returning to Mule Days. It's always a treat when they come. The coolest part is that you can walk through their corals and get up close and personal with them. I have some great pictures of them from the last time they came to Mule Days. They will also perform at the Mule Shows.

Speaking of Mule shows. This is a must see in everyone's life time. You will never laugh so hard in your life. The mules shows are a rodeo with mules. All of the serious competitions are held during the shows, but there is also a whole lot of funning around. It's great to watch the mules make asses out of their people :-)

All of the fun begins on Thursday May 24 with a concert. The mule shows start on Friday and run through Sunday night with two shows a day. The parade is on Saturday. There is also a huge craft show in the city park that runs from Thurs-Mon.

It's the biggest week of the year in Bishop. If you'd like more information on Mule Days, check out their site at www.MuleDays.org