Thank You from Mule Days

THANK YOU!!!

Mule Days extends thanks to all our Sponsors, Vendors, Contestants, Volunteers, Guests and especially those who contributed to our Fundraising efforts. Your support and Participation made the 2025 event possible!

Stay tuned for exciting 2026 updates coming your way soon

The Bishop Mule Days 2025 event exceeded every expectation, bringing together fans, contestants, vendors, and sponsors in a way that has become synonymous with this iconic celebration in the Eastern Sierra. After a highly successful winter and spring fundraising campaign, capped off with incredible energy from attendees, Mule Days is already looking ahead to an even bigger and better 2026 event.

A Fundraising Success

The 2025 fundraising campaign raised over $106,000, a testament to the unwavering support of the community and the Mule Days fan base. This achievement is especially significant, as Mule Days has been a staple event for 55 years. It’s clear that the love for this event and the iconic mule culture it celebrates is stronger than ever, and the funds raised will ensure the event remains a highlight in Bishop for years to come.

The Heart of Mule Days: A Thriving Community

Held from May 20-25, Mule Days once again brought an eclectic mix of RV campers, fans, competitors, vendors, and sponsors to the Tri-County Fairgrounds in Bishop. The event’s energy was palpable, with everything from youth programs to collegiate packing competitions, and exciting mule contests showcasing the enduring love for these amazing animals.

One of the highlights of Mule Days is the Thursday “School Day”, where fourth-grade students from across the valley are invited to join in the festivities. This year, students were treated to the PRCA’s Specialty Act of the Year, “Rider & Bethany”, alongside a range of fun, educational activities. For many kids, Mule Days is their first introduction to the excitement of mule culture, and it’s a fantastic way to inspire future generations.

And, of course, the Veterans Tribute on Sunday afternoon never fails to remind us of the cost of the freedoms we enjoy. Held just before Memorial Day, this moving tribute pays homage to the men and women who have sacrificed so much for our country.

A Celebration Like No Other

From thrilling mule competitions across nearly every imaginable discipline to pleasing tunes by Dave Stamey, a 7-time Western Music Association “Entertainer of the Year,” Mule Days 2025 truly had something for everyone. Fans strolled through vibrant vendor booths, watched exciting competitions, and enjoyed lively entertainment, including the Justin Lawrence Western Dance.

What makes Mule Days so special? The stunning backdrop of the Eastern Sierra Nevada mountains provides a perfect setting for the event, offering a picturesque atmosphere that makes it unlike any other mule gathering in the country. Year after year, attendees flock to Bishop to experience this one-of-a-kind celebration, and 2025 was no exception.

A Local’s Favorite: The Saturday Parade

No Mule Days would be complete without the famous Saturday Parade, a local tradition that draws crowds from near and far. This year’s parade featured beautiful mule teams, impressive pack strings, marching bands, and dignitaries—a spectacle that only adds to the charm and excitement of Mule Days. We’re already looking forward to next year’s parade, which promises to be just as incredible.

Looking Ahead to 2026

Amanda Tallman, President of Mule Days 2025, had this to say about the event’s success: “We are incredibly grateful to the hundreds of volunteers, sponsors, vendors, and fans who bring Mule Days to life every year. Contestants know it is the ‘Super Bowl’ of mule shows, and many travel thousands of miles to Bishop to compete. How could it not be the ‘Greatest Mule Show on Earth?’ Be sure to mark your calendars for 2026, as plans are already underway.”

Thanks to the grit and perseverance of our volunteers (much like the mules we celebrate!) and the unwavering support of our community, Mule Days is poised for even greater things in the future. Planning is already underway for the 56th Annual Mule Days Celebration, taking place from May 19th to May 24th, 2026. Don’t miss out on what promises to be another unforgettable event in the heart of Bishop, California.

Whether you were able to attend in 2025 or are planning to join us in 2026, Bishop Mule Days remains a vibrant, thrilling celebration that honors the spirit of the mule and the community that has kept this tradition alive for more than half a century. See you next year!

photo credits: @grandpix photo

News Staff