4th of July Donkey Races

When: Saturday, July 04, 2009, time TBA

Where: The Ozark Folk Center State Park

Cost: Unknown

Age limit: All ages

Categories: Outdoor

Description: Honoring the spirit of independence, the Ozark Folk Center is hosting several donkey and mule competitions, starting at 9 a.m. Handlers can walk the courses beginning at 8 a.m. Any long-eared equine and their human companion can participate.

The morning starts with a mail trail course. Mail trails wind through the Ozarks and were a vital link from one community to another. This competition calls for the handler and saddled equine to carry a bag of object through an obstacle course, picking up and dropping off items along the way. The mule or donkey must complete each obstacle, which may involve going through gates, stepping over logs or walking through water while carrying the bags on their saddle. Each obstacle is worth 10 points, completing the course with the correct items in the pack is worth 10 points, general donkey or mule attitude is worth 10 points, handler attitude is worth 10 points and crossing the finish line without cussing is worth 10 points. Time on the course is limited to 15 minutes.

The second competition is an endurance course. Mules and donkeys are known for their strength and endurance. We’ll see if the same can be said for their handlers. The animals will start saddled and lined up at the starting line. Donkey or mule headgear will consist of a halter that fits properly and a lead rope of no more than 15 feet. Handlers must have control of their animals. Animals that kick will be disqualified. Each team will walk or run from the starting line in the parking lot at the Ozark Folk Center, around the circle and back to the finish line in front of the General Store. Critter and handler must cross the finish line connected by the lead rope.

The third competition, new this year, is a talent contest. Is your donkey the best signer in the park? Is your little mule the most beautiful girl you’ve ever seen? Do you ride dressage on your mule or rope steers off your donkey? Well, then, show off to the world and let everyone know why we are so proud of our long-earred companions.

Bribing your critters, by use of treats, grain, or any other reasonable means to acquire cooperation of your critter, is not only encouraged, but expected, in order to keep the show moving. This rule also applies to the human handlers.

Sign up now to compete in the Donkey and Mule Days at the Ozark Folk Center on Saturday the 4th of July. Pre-registration is required for these competitions. There is a $10 entry fee for each long-ear and handler team. The entry deadline is July 1. Animals may compete more than once in any competition, but the handler must be different. A handler can enter more than one donkey or mule in the competition.

Certificates of completion will be given to every team finishing the course or the race. First, second and third place prizes will be awarded in each competition and great notoriety will go to everyone brave enough to attempt to compete in this event.

There is no fee to watch the Old-Timey Ozark Donkey and Mule Days at the Ozark Folk Center. Parking at the Ozark Folk Center is always free and buses are available to take you to the craft village, gift shop and restaurant. Call 870-269-3851 or visit the web site at www.ozarkfolkcenter.com for more information.

The Ozark Folk Center Craft Village is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on 4th of July. During the day there will be Craft Village good old-fashioned music, free watermelon, seed spitting contest, apple bobbing and sack races.

Admission to the Craft Village is $10 for adults, $6 for children, with children 6 and under free. A special 4th of July Concert in the Auditorium at 7 p.m. Combination tickets for the Craft Village and Concert are $17.50 for adults and $8.25 for children.

Event posted: June 19, 2009
Last updated: June 19, 2009