For Release: Sept. 21, 2005
Contact: Jeff Fontana (530) 252-5332
CA-N-05-95

BURRO ADOPTIONS, FUN EVENTS AT ANNUAL LONGEARS CELE 'BRAY' TION

Wild burros will be offered for public adoption, and two days of burro and mule competitive events will entertain participants and spectators alike, when the annual "Longears Cele 'bray' tion" takes over Red Bluff's Pauline Davis Pavilion, Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 8 and 9. The pavilion is at the Tehama District Fairgrounds, 650 Antelope Blvd.

The Bureau of Land Management will offer several burros for adoption for a $125 fee beginning at 9 a.m. Oct. 8, on a first-come, first served basis.

Owners of mules and burros will fill both days of the event competing in traditional and slightly off-beat riding, driving, packing and pulling events.

"Longears are fun, and we have built this event around toning down the serious competition and having fun with our mules and donkeys," said organizer Virginia Freeman of Artois. "We also want to show the rewards of adopting and training wild burros and horses from the BLM's adoption program."

Admission for spectators is free; there are registration fees for various events and classes. Registration information is available at www.ears4fun.com, or by telephoning Freeman at (530) 934-7658.

Riding and packing events will be highlighted Saturday, with driving and pulling events (horses welcome) featured Sunday, Freeman said. The Flowmasters, a bluegrass and country band from Chico, will perform Saturday evening. Food and refreshments will be available both days.

"We will have traditional halter and gymkhana classes, and some events that are all about fun," Freeman said. Names of the contests are a hint at the fun factor. The Pancake Race, the Outhouse Trot and Dancing with Goats are among the events.

Those who plan to adopt an animal from the BLM must complete an adoption application on site, and be able to provide facilities that meet BLM requirements. Burros must be kept in corrals with at least 400 square feet living space per animal. Corrals must be surrounded by a four-and-half-foot fence built of pipe or boards. Animals must be kept in these small corrals until they can be handled, haltered and led. Adopted animals initially remain property of the U. S. government. After providing a year of good care, adopters can receive title.

Adoption information is available by calling the BLM toll-free at 866-4MUSTANGS or on the web at www.wildhorseandburro.blm.gov (follow the directions to wild horse and burro information).

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Northern California Support Team 2950 Riverside Drive Susanville, CA 96130