The second annual Bryce Canyon Mule Days reminds us that life is about more than mules
The four-day event will feature activities to raise funds for cancer research
The second annual Bryce Canyon Mule Days — taking place in Tropic May 2–5 — is about much more than mule rides through Bryce Canyon Country. This year, the four-day event will also feature activities to raise funds for cancer research in honor of Clint Mecham, the brother of Bryce Canyon Mule Days founder McLain Mecham. Clint, who was a predator specialist for the Utah Department of Natural Resources and spent a lot his time on the back of a mule, recently passed away from melanoma.
“We’ve had several different cases of cancer right here in our little community,” said McLain Mecham. “With my brother’s passing last year, we received so much support from locals and individuals outside of the state. People do a great job pulling together when others are in need. As a result, we decided to dedicate our mule days to my brother Clint. We want to pay it back; we want to find a cure for cancer and help out in any way we can.”
The 2018 Bryce Canyon Mule Days event will feature two activities specifically designed to raise funds for cancer research. On May 3 and 4, a trail course competition will be held. The competition, which includes obstacle challenges such as a log jump and a log drag, will be timed and will have a point system. The activity costs $10 per contestant with all funds being donated to cancer research. The winning prize is a custom belt buckle.
On May 4 at 7 p.m., Brenn Hill — an award-winning country musician — is holding a concert at the Bryce Valley High School Auditorium. In connection with the concert, the Utah Houndsmen Association will raffle off a gun to raise money for cancer research.
In addition to these fundraising activities, the event features a bridle and bit clinic, a pack clinic, and several daily mule rides that provide opportunities for attendees to experience some of the world’s most unique scenery including ponderosa forests, slot canyons, and spiral rock formations known as hoodoos. A full itinerary of events, including event locations and times, can be found on the Bryce Canyon Mule Days Facebook page.
“Those who live in and visit Bryce Canyon country have always done a wonderful job supporting great causes,” said Falyn Owens, executive director of the Garfield County Office of Tourism. “Bryce Canyon Mule Days is a unique event that has been connected with a meaningful purpose. We are excited for guests to experience diverse scenery while they contribute to something special.”
The Bryce Canyon Mule Days event was introduced in 2017 by McLain Mecham and his wife. The Mechams had attended other mule days events throughout the country and thought Utah would be a great location for visitors to ride diverse trails and experience a variety of scenery.
“Southern Utah is home to some of the prettiest country in the world,” McLain Mecham said. “The diversity is everywhere you look. We’ve got the Grand Staircase, Bryce Canyon National Park, and Dixie National Forest, all of which provide unique terrain and beautiful landscapes. This makes for great riding trails with breathtaking scenery.”
For more information regarding Bryce Canyon Mule Days, visit brycecanyonmuledays.com. To register for next year’s ride, visit brycecanyonmuledays.com/register beginning Jan. 1, 2019. Learn more about Garfield County Tourism at brycecanyoncountry.com.
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