The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

DAYTON--Mule Mania begins its Class list schedule of events for mules and donkeys, on Saturday, May 26, at 8 a.m., at the Columbia County Fairgrounds.

The Mule and Donkey show features riding and driving competitions throughout the day, and on Sunday, from 7:30 a.m. until sometime in the afternoon, said Bev Rising, Mule Mania president and show manager.

Rising said there should be a great show this year. “Bobbie Jo and Barney Chambers are bringing a lot of mules, and lot of people with them, to compete,” she said. Rising is also expecting some six-up mule driving teams.

The Mule Mania Chuckwagon Cook-Off will take place on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. at the fairgrounds. This year, four chuckwagons are expected to serve about 200 people. Tickets can be purchased at the Mule Mania booth in the Fairgrounds Youth Building.

Rising said the silent auction will take place directly after the Chuckwagon Feed, and proceeds from the auction and raffle items will go to benefit local charity.

“We try and do a lot for the community,” she said. “Last year, Project Timothy, Young Life, the Dayton boys’ basketball team and the Community Food Bank were the recipients, of this benefit.”

The Mule and Donkey competition will continue at 7 p. m., after the silent auction.

A family-friendly music event is planned for 9 p.m. at the Fairgrounds Pavilion. Chief Springs brew will be served in the roped off beer garden, and a DJ will provide the music.

Rising said Mule Mania is a great draw for spectators, with economic benefits for the community.

“Some of the Mule Mania participants stay in trailers at the fairgrounds, and some in the hotels. They shop and eat here, too,” she said.