Mule Days Celebration Committee calls for donors and support to secure future of iconic event

Bishop Mule Days, a cherished local tradition for more than half a century, faces an uncertain future. After facing pandemic challenges, changes in operations, and an unexpected revenue loss, event organizers now face a critical moment: they need to raise $100,000 by December 31 to keep Mule Days going in 2025 and beyond.

“Support today can make the difference between keeping this event alive or losing it forever,” says Board President Amanda Tallman. “Every donation, big or small, brings us closer to our $100,000 goal and helps keep the Mule Days tradition alive for future generations. Your donation is tax-deductible, so please consider giving today to help make a difference.”

Bishop Mule Days, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, has grown from its 1969 beginnings as a humble one-day tribute to the packing community into a world-renowned, multi-day mule celebration. This signature event brings significant economic benefits to Bishop and Inyo County, drawing visitors from around the globe who contribute to the local economy year after year. Studies estimate that each dollar generated by Mule Days circulates six to eight times within the community, providing a crucial financial boost to local businesses as summer visitation begins.

The current situation is serious. The volunteer Mule Days Board is now at a turning point, working to raise the funds needed to keep the event going. Executive Director Donna Bird, involved with Mule Days as a volunteer and now leads as its sixth-ever manager, speaks passionately about the event’s importance. “Many people do not remember a Bishop without a Mule Days,” she says. “Our Board wants to know this: Is there still a place for Mule Days in today’s Bishop?”

Lee Roeser, the longest-serving member of the Board, recalls that he and the late Bobby Tanner, son of Mule Days founder Bob Tanner and driver of the historic 20 Mule Team, had this discussion just months before Tanner’s unexpected death last June.

Tanner and Roeser, along with wives Claudia and Jennifer and a band of dedicated mule handlers, had taken Bishop and Mule Days and the 20 Mule Team to great heights: regular appearances in the Pasadena Rose Parade, down the streets of Washington, D.C. for a presidential inauguration, and to hundreds of shows across the country, exposing new generations to a Western way of life that’s increasingly rare in today’s modern world.

Bird and Roeser explain that the pandemic, fairground changes, and some missteps created today’s financial challenge. They reassure the community that the Board is committed to fixing these issues and ensuring a solid future.

The path forward requires a collaborative effort. With support from local stakeholders and community leaders, the Mule Days Board is actively working on plans for a sustainable future. A final contract agreement with Tri-County Fair Interim CEO Mike Francesconi is underway, and a scalable event budget is in development to allow for a successful 2025 celebration. Roeser proposes establishing a designated account for the $100,000 campaign to protect donor funds. Should the goal fall short, donations will be returned to contributors; tax-exempt receipts will be issued if the goal is met.

“Our community has a history of grassroots support that has sustained numerous local institutions and services,” says Bird. “Even small donations can help make a big impact for Mule Days.”

The Board recognizes that their appeal comes when many may face financial strain, particularly with the holiday season approaching. Yet they are hopeful, drawing inspiration from Mule Days’ early years, when founder Bob Tanner rallied neighbors and small businesses to support the event, literally $10, $20, and $50 at a time.

“Great events are not always built on a handful of corporate checks,” Tanner once said. “Neighbors build great events. That’s what built Mule Days.”

As the December 31 deadline approaches, the Mule Days Board invites community members and supporters to contribute what they can to keep this iconic tradition alive.

In the coming days we will be launching a matching donor campaign as well as many updates regarding transformation and re-launch of the iconic event.

To donate or learn more about how to help, please call (760) 872-4263 and speak with Donna Bird, executive director.

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News Staff