Bring on the Donkeys, at Bishop’s Orchards!

On Saturday, May 4, Bishop’s Orchards will hold the 5th Annual Bishop’s Orchards Donkey and Mule Show. This free event will take place at Bishop’s Orchards from 9am – 4pm. Along with the Donkey and Mule Show, there will be free Wagon rides offered taking people for a ride through the orchard to take a close look at the farm in the spring and what is happening on the farm.

The Donkey and Mule Show will take place at our “Little Red Barn” field, which is better known in the fall as the Pumpkin Patch. The field will be transformed into an open arena for the donkeys and mules to compete in with ample room for audience viewing. There will be a number of events throughout the day including, coon jumping, driving classes, riding classes, obstacle course, costume class, a rescue class and games. Judging the competition this year is Leah Patton from Dallas, Texas. She is the Office Manager and Registrar for the American Donkey and Mule Society, a position she has held for the past 15+ years. Leah is extremely well known in the “Donkey World.” The Announcer of the competition will be Carolyn Stearns, a professional storyteller and announcer from Storrs, CT. The animals that will be participating will include all sizes of donkeys and mules such as mini, standard and mammoth sizes. Participants will be bringing their Mules and Donkeys from up and down the East Coast to Bishop’s to take part in this great event.

In addition to the Donkey and Mule Show, fun family kid events will be going on. Free Wagon Rides will be running throughout the day taking people on a guided tour through the orchard with a beautiful view of the Apple Trees in blossom. In addition, there will also be face painting by a local shoreline artist, moon bounce, kids crafts (special projects to make for Mom for Mother’s Day), story time at 1 & 2:30pm, local kid and family friendly vendors, wine tasting and much more.The farm family friendly atmosphere will be a great way to spend time together with the kids. It is an event like no other in the area, and it is not to be missed.The animal exhibitors, contestants and many animals have very few show opportunities like this in Connecticut, so this is a major event.This event is a non-ticketed event, and FREE Admission, so all are welcome. Food will be sold and a small charge for face painting and moon bounce will apply. There is no rain date for this event. The event will only be cancelled in the event that there is steady inclement weather.

For more information, please contact Sarah Bishop DellaVentura at sarah.d@bishopsorchards.com or (203) 453-2338 x. 218, or visit our website www.bishopsorchards.com.