Getting to Know… Donna Bird, Executive Director of Mule Days – Part 1
Getting to Know… Donna Bird, Executive Director of Mule Days
Donna Bird grew up in the Eastern Sierra with a family that was very involved in the community. She was raised with the idea that if you live in this area, you should contribute to it and do something that will make a difference for the people around you.
Fun Fact: Mule Days uses 1000 traffic cones during the course of the event!
Growing up, Donna was on the quiet side. After joining 4-H, she was able to take on a leadership role in her club as president. Leading group meetings, she found herself stuttering and stammering as she attempted to make it through short presentations.
Luckily, she met two adults in the program who offered to put a quarter in a jar every time Donna made it through a sentence without saying “Um…” The downside to the deal was that every time she said “Um…” she had to put a quarter in the jar. While it cost her a little bit of money, it also made her improve her public speaking immensely. Oh, and all the money went into the 4-H fund.
Fun Fact: The first Mule Days was held in 1934.
A little known fact is that Donna is the only full time employee for Mule Days. In February, the planning for the event starts. That is the time when Donna and her staff start to catch up with sponsors, do some housekeeping, and try to get Mule Days in front of as many eyes as possible. Donna emphasizes, “The motto of Mule Days is when a town becomes a team.”
Fun Fact: You can volunteer for Mule Days by calling (760) 872-4263.
The first year that Mule Days became official was in 1970 as a one-day event. It started as a day of fun with the local packers in the area. Over the years, it grew from a one day event to a six day phenomenon with people coming from all over the world to experience it.
More about Donna Bird and Mule Days to come!
Fun Fact: The rent for the fairgrounds for the original Mule Days was $54!
Mule Days is May 21-26, 2024. Be sure to catch Donna Bird on the newest “Get Real with Jesse Steele” podcast.
