The 45th annual Hells Canyon Mule Days, Sept. 11-13 in Enterprise, Ore., will be three full days of events that include classes for every age group and skill level. It’s always a fun family weekend.
The gates open at 8 a.m. on Friday with a line-up of Halter & Showmanship. The afternoon events include the Log Pull for singles and teams and the Timed Trail Class in the main arena. Other highlights include the Classic Jump-Off Challenge and events such as pole-bending, barrel racing, and the Fast Ass Express.
Don’t miss the free mule clinic at 9 a.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. Sunday for tips on training your mule. Before the Grand Entry on Saturday, the popular Kids Stick Mule and Boot Scramble Races are scheduled for kids ages 4 to 9 who are spectators. Everyone wins a blue ribbon, and special awards go to winners of each heat. There will also be a contest for the oldest spectator and the one who has traveled the farthest to attend.
The weekend is packed with mule-related happenings. You can enjoy strolling the Green and visiting with vendors, exhibitors and Western artists. Buy your ticket for the Mule Days Raffle that includes items such as a buffalo skull from Stangel Buffalo Ranch, a complete Dutch oven cooking setup for beginners, a Mule Days belt buckle and a signed copy of a book about Tennessee mule artist Bonnie Shields.
Other events include the Max Walker Memorial Cowboy Poetry Gathering at 7 p.m. Friday, the non-motorized parade on Saturday and the Saturday-evening Memorial Scholarship Barbecue Dinner on the Green at 5 p.m. The Saturday-night concert at 7 p.m. will feature Old West Trio, an outstanding group that performs Western music in the silver-screen tradition. Sunday events include a Cowboy Church, breakfast served by JD’s BBQ & Catering and the Dutch Oven Cook-Off at 9 a.m.
For prices, schedules and details, visit hellscanyonmuledays.com.