If you enjoy stubborn mules and long-in-the-tooth long-eared donkeys, then you will be glad to know the Tees Longears Days will return for a 23rd year Aug. 18 and 19.
This year brings a few changes to presentations in the show, explained chairman Ross Shandro.
“There was a request to have the bulk of the riding class and halter show on Saturday and the driving/harness classes on Sunday,” he said.
The goal is to keep things fresh and to accommodate people’s busy lives. “It’s an experiment for this year…at the request of the participants.”
The weekend is free for all to attend and Shandro’s hope is the entire family will have fun. Watch out for the “Alberta Mounted Potato Throwers.” Shandro playfully coined the name after the Alberta Mounted Shooters Association, which he is a member of; riders run a relay and have to throw potatoes into a barrel.
He’s not only the chairman, Shandro is the self-titled “reigning pancake race champion.” Competitors are supposed to ride a path, start a fire and make a ready-to-eat pancake for judges.
Organizers try to include everyone, there are novelty trophies such as “Best Wreck” and “Most Embarrassed Participant.”
“The biggest emphasis is it’s family entertainment,” stated Shandro.
Some of the other events are little tykes fun class, western class or English pleasure and pole bending as well.
Events begin at 9 a.m. on Aug. 18.