About Ozark Mountain Mule and Donkey Days!

On Labor Day weekend 2008 the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds, nestled in the heart of Ozark Mountain Country in Springfield, will come alive with the annual presentation of Ozark Mountain Mule & Donkey Days. Mule lovers from across the country provide an event to "wind up the mule show season", while businessmen are helping draw vacationers to the Ozarks. What began as an informal gathering and a test of skills two years ago has grown to a fun filled family event of the first order.

It's hard to describe Ozark Mountain Mule & Donkey Days. It is part mule show, part test of skills, part Wagon Train and part Wild West show. Over the three day event there will be various class contests, auctions and daily shows featuring over 500 mules and donkeys with their trainers, riders, owners and contestants. Some 7,000 fans are expected to converge on the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds and the Main Arena to watch the events and visit the exhibitors.

The two day mule and donkey show consists of: youth, working, gaited, jumping, racing and just plain fun events. Veteran announcer Glen Sapp takes the microphone to both educate and entertain crowds.

In addition to competitive events, Ozark Mountain Mule & Donkey Days has many other featured events to expand your experience. A full blown Wagon Train starts the fun a week before the show, commencing in St. James, MO and ending at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds just before the select mule auction.

A fun Wild West show will demonstrate the many skills of the mule and its rider and fill the Main Arena on Friday and Saturday night. Mule owners are determined to prove that anything a good horse can do a good mule can do better! From trail riding to show classes, mules can do it all with the grace that is unique to these animals. Donkey exhibitors will also compete - determined to outdo each other in costumes, wagons and riding apparel.

Event Beneficiaries

Net proceeds from this event benefit two important area Foundations. The Ozark Empire Fair Foundation's primary purpose is to recognize the efforts of Southwest Missouri District 4-H and FFA livestock exhibitors who have qualified for the prestigious Gala Auction and to award youth grants and scholarships, as well as to upgrade facilities for these activities. The Foundation, Council of Churches of the Ozarks supports the many children and elderly programs of the Council of Churches of the Ozarks such as approved meals and snacks in home- based childcare centers, high quality, affordable and accessible care for all families, home repairs for low to moderate income seniors and disabled homeowners so they may continue to live independently and safely in their own homes, emergency food and clothing to Greene county residents, medically monitored daycare facilities for elderly and disabled adults, new foster homes in the Ozarks, volunteers in nursing facilities in Southwest Missouri and Therapeutic horseback riding experiences for children with disabilities. These services cover 53 SW Missouri Counties and over 100,000 clients annually.