🎉 Event Overview
Get ready for the 5th annual Black Canyon Donkey Derby, held at Deep Canyon Ranch, in Black Canyon City, Arizona! The race will be Saturday, March 8th, but be sure to come for a full weekend of FUN (events listed below).
On Saturday, we will have a variety of vendors, food trucks, a petting zoo, face painting, and many more activities for the whole family! Please come be a spectator and enjoy this fun-filled community event! Clean porta-potties and hand-washing stations will be available.
🏇 What is Burro Racing?
First, let's talk about what a burro is. “Burro” is the Spanish word for donkey.
- Origin: Pack burro racing is a sport in Colorado, Arizona, California, and New Mexico that is rooted in the various western states' mining histories.
- Historical Significance: Legend holds that the races trace back to an incident in which two miners raced each other to the claims office.
- How It Works: During a burro race, a runner and a burro run/walk a prescribed course together.
- Course Options: There will be a 3-mile course, a 6-mile, or a 9-mile course for participants.
📝 The Rules
Lead Ropes: All burros must be properly fitted with a halter and lead rope no longer than 15 feet. The lead rope must be attached to the halter at all times.
- Control of Burro: Participants must maintain control of their burro through handling of the lead rope.
- Jack/Stud Chains: May be used to apply pressure but must not injure the burro.
- Team: A team consists of one handler with one burro for the entire race.
- Disqualifications: Mistreatment of burros will result in immediate disqualification.
⚖️ Participant Waivers
All participants, in any event being held during the 2024 Black Canyon Donkey Derby, participate at their own risk. No town, county, or private property owners along the course, sponsoring businesses, governmental agencies, persons, volunteers, race officials, or organizations will be liable in case of accident or injury to the runner or burro.
📅 Camping & Schedule of Events
Camping:
- Availability: Dry camping is available at the facility, Deep Canyon Ranch.
- Fee: Camping fee is $10/spot per night.
- Stalls: 15 box stalls are available for rent for $15/night if cleaned or $25/night if cleaned by the ranch.
- Water: Please bring your own water buckets: water is available on the ranch.
Schedule of Events:
- Friday, March 7th: Arrival and check-in with Deep Canyon Ranch's host.
- Saturday, March 8th:
- 8:00 am Race Check-In
- 9:00 am Race Meeting
- 10:00 am Race starts
- 4:00 pm Costume Contest
- Sunday, March 9th:
- 9:00 am Obstacle Course Challenge
- 10:00 am Halter Class
- Noon: Pack up camp and head home!
🔗 More Information
For additional details, visit the race page: Black Canyon Donkey Derby.