Save Your Ass Long Ear Rescue’s second annual Donkey and Mule Benefit Show on September 12th is now history. It was a great day and I dare say a good time was had by all. SYA has a wonderful board of directors,who along with spouses, partners, offspring, and our amazing volunteers and friends, made the show a great success. It could not have been done without the help of them all.
Special thanks go to Sylvia who did a fantastic job judging her first donkey and mule show. Out in the show ring, Sylvia and board member Lisa Michael, had the toughest job of the day, especially judging the costume class! So many great, creative costumes! So many tolerant, good natured animals!
Kris Anderson, our knowledgeable announcer, kept the commentary lively and interesting throughout the day. Retro Music from Keene, NH, supplied the loud speaker and microphone so that Kris Anderson could keep the crowds informed and the classes running smoothly. Sherry Common greeted each participant with a big smile as they came to register for classes. And Judy’s daughter, Ollie Luey sprinted through the show ring to present the ribbons for each class.
In spite of the skies clouding over and giving us a light sprinkle or two, there were a lot of spectators in attendance as well as a lot of participants. Board member Terry Lupien did an amazing job designing and setting up the obstacle/trail course. Johnny Guiden also was very helpful in setting up the obstacle course and was a wonderful “gate steward”. Board member Judy Ballantine made the amazing rings of fire! Judy’s husband Kevin, along with Terry’s husband Cliff and board member Annie LaPensee’s partner Sukie were the amazing “Grill Team”. They kicked you know what in the food department. We got lots of compliments on the great burgers! The delicious baked goods donated by Volunteer Haila rounded out the menu in a sweet way.
Terry and Cliff’s daughters Jenn and Kate did a phenomenal job running the merchandise booth along side Volunteers Mike and Damaris, who went between the video booth they created and the information table, as well as helping with set up and break down. Mike also did a great job getting the parking situation under control. Board member Annie LaPensee really dressed up the place with decorations, balloons and banners making the show grounds very eye catching from the road. She and Board member Jean Cornish also stepped up to the plate wherever help was needed throughout the day. Volunteer Annie Kellom not only set a fashion precedence in her “retro” riding outfit, but pitched in doing what was needed and even showed up at the rescue bright and early Monday morning to help unload and put show equipment away for another year.
President Ann Firestone shuttled back and forth between the rescue and the fair grounds with animals and equipment and was in constant motion with a sharp eye on the proceedings, making sure there were no glitches and that everyone was having a good time. She was extremely proud of how many long ears adopted out through the rescue were in attendance.
Louise, Ann's always dependable mammoth, kept her lips ready for the Save Your Ass kissing booth and gave out plenty of kisses!
Our Volunteer of the Year, Richard Nash was his usual, amazing self. He not only put up signs pointing to the show on his way over but brought coffee and doughnuts for all of us who were setting up. He shoveled poop with the best of em, and stayed to the bitter end, breaking down and loading things up to be taken home.
At the end of the day, everyone pitched in and left the fairgrounds in better shape than they found them! We can't thank enough all of those who came, helped set-up, participated, and then broke down the booth and obstacles and food concession and left the place in great shape, so that we will be welcome back again next year!
So, look for announcements regarding the 3rd Annual SYA Mule and Donkey Benefit and we hope to see you there!
Click here for more great pics from the show!
