Shasta Mini Donkeypalooza July 23rd – 25th: don’t miss it

Residents at When Lil' Donkeys Fly Ranch near Anderson, CA

The Siskiyou Golden Fairgrounds in Yreka is hosting the Shasta Mini Donkeypalooza this weekend, July 23-25th. Donkeypalooza is going to be a hoot: mini donkeys will compete in a number of halter, carting and jumping events and be available for petting and snuggling (if you’re into it). The Beaver family of When Lil’ Donkeys Fly Ranch, outside of Anderson, is one of the event sponsors – you can see more lil’ donkey photos on their website.

Donkeypalooza begins Friday afternoon at 4pm with the in-hand trail classes, which test the donkey’s skill, intelligence and trust in the handler. The weekend competition schedule is packed, with classes all day Saturday and Sunday, going into the evening. Adults and children will handle donkeys for high point competitions. Handlers and animals will range from professional competitors to ranch owners.

Saturday’s classes begin at 8am and include showmanship, halter, in hand jumping, a versatility class, driving classes, and evening game classes like the hurry scurry. Sunday classes kick off at 9am with game driving classes. Competitors are expected to come from Washington to southern California, with handlers ranging from age 5 to 80.

Admission is free and this sounds like so much fun that you just can’t miss it. The stable are will be open for folks to stroll through to visit with the donkeys and their handlers. Food and beverage vendors will be onsite to keep you fed and watered.

The Siskiyou Golden Fairgrounds are easy to find: use the southern most Yreka exit from I-5 and head east. You can see the fairgrounds from the freeway, and the the frontage road (Fairlane Road) takes you right to the entrance. The Donkeypalooza events will be held in Collier Pavilion, which is near the fair ground main gate. While you’re thinking about the fairgrounds, remember that the Siskiyou Golden Fair is coming up – August 11-15th.