The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

DAYTON - Mule and donkey owners from the northwest and the U.S. are preparing to invade the Columbia County Fairgrounds for next weekend's fourth annual Mule Mania mule and donkey show in Dayton. The show runs July 17 through 20 and is free to the public. More than 150 mules and donkeys are expected to take part.

Beginning early Thursday, mule and donkey owners will take part in a wide variety of competitions, from English Dressage and driving to barrel racing and the Fast Ass Express. Riding and driving events are scheduled for all four days.

Donkeys will be a bigger part of the show than they have been in the past. "We've had a lot of interest from donkey owners," said event organizer and Columbia REA CEO Les Teal. "We've tried to come up with a lot more events for them." One new event this year is the miniature donkey and mule show.

A favorite feature for Mule Mania visitors returns this year: The Chuck Wagon Cook-Off and Feed. Chuck Wagon Chefs from around the northwest will begin setting up their wagons and fire pits early on Friday. Dinner is served beginning at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 per meal, and can be purchased in advance online, or starting Wednesday at the Mule Mania Store at the Fairgrounds.

Also returning this year are the beer and wine garden and the "The Gathering," a unique western and collectible market in the Pavilion and outside. Also, a special Saturday night free concert will be held on the big stage in the arena at 8 p.m., featuring Frog Hollow Band (see box).

On Saturday morning, many of the mules from the show will join the local floats for the annual Alumni and Mule Parade, kicking off at 10 a.m.

Junie the Mule smiles for the camera. For more photos of Junie, and a story, see Page 7.)

The Columbia County Fairgrounds not only hosts the big show and many of the mules and donkeys in the horse barns - it also hosts many of their owners. RV and trailer camping has been expanded to nearly 100 spots at the fairgrounds in the last couple of years.

"Walla Walla Electric and Columbia REA have both donated a lot of time and materials to bring power and water to many of the RV spots," Teal said.

RV spaces have been established at the west end of the fairgrounds and along the south side near the main parking lot. More than 40 temporary spaces are also available in the infield of the arena.

"Mule Mania becomes a true community during the show," Teal said.

The show is put on each year by Barney and Bobbi Jo Chambers, who own Coyote Mule Company in Cottonwood Idaho. The show's main sponsors are Coyote Mule Company and Columbia REA.