Proof cover
Grand Marshals
Hells Canyon Mule Days 2025
2025 Grand Marshals Shawn and Shelly Steen S
hawn and Shelly Steen have been chosen 2025 Mule Days Grand Marshalls. This husband /wife team are long-time Wallowa County residents. Shawn, born in Jerome, Idaho, moved here when he was five years old. Shelly was raised on a farm and ranch in the Anatone /Asotin Washington area. She later moved to Joseph in 1989.
Shawn and Shelly met, and later, married in May,1990. Shelly recalls they didn’t begin their honeymoon for a few days, because they were hired to pack in a filming crew, along with their very expensive cameras and equipment into Cow Creek on the lower Imnaha...All this to film a segment for the Marlboro Man commercial. Shelly did all the cooking, and they both packed in all the equipment and crew. Thus began their married life. Shelly said when they finished the job, they spent their belated honeymoon in Mexico.
The couple has two sons: Cade, born in 1991 and Riley 1992.
Shawn began packing in high school, and worked during the fall elk seasons. After he completed college he worked with his family, who, owned Steens Guide Service…. which included Hunting, Rafting, and Summer pack trips.
Shawn and Shelly took over the business after Shawn’s father, the well-known Jim Steen, passed away in 1995.
They sold the Rafting business in 1997 and concentrated on Guiding and Packing.
From 2006-2011 they leased the Minam Lodge until it sold to it’s current owner. This was a lot of work for the couple, as this is a remote dude ranch... Shelly cooked and helped entertain the dudes... Shawn took the guests on horse-back rides and ran the ranch. This ranch, accessible only by horseback, hiking or plane is located in the Minam wilderness.
When the couple started packing it was only the two of them... but they were young and strong... later they began hiring a couple hands each year, during the busy seasons. Their two boys: Cade and Riley both packed for several years after they graduated from high school.
Over the years, the business grew, and the couple were very busy. They accomplished so much, and packed in many groups, Shelly says it would be impossible to remember all of them. Among them she remembers the WOTR. A 40 member women’s writing group, camped at Indian Crossing...”That was really something, we set up a wall tent to cook and tents for them to sleep.” And we also set up their camp at Elk Mountain.
Shelly said they conducted packing clinics, where she did all the cooking as well. For over 20 years they staged demos at Outdoor Sports shows all over the West. They also did contract packing for the Forest Service: Fires, surveying, and taking inventory.
Shawn and Shelly did a lot of volunteer work as well... like packing the Joseph F.F.A. Chapter into Hells Canyon... and doing the cooking. They had exhibits at Eastern Oregon College, Shawn volunteered as Little League coach, and both worked at Chief Joseph Days Rodeo.
By Janie Tippett
When son Cade was only 10 days old, he went on his first pack trip. He rode in a front pack strapped on his mamma, clear up the Middle Fork of the Imnaha... It was Buck deer season. The Middle Fork was where his grandpa Jim Steen’s ashes had been scattered from an airplane.
Both sons went along on summer pack trips and fall hunting camps until they were school age.
In 1992 and 93, Shelly and Shawn competed in past Mule Days mule packing events.
Shelly has a photo of her riding at the head of 30 or 40 riding and pack animals...she explains in her modest way how she is leading this string of pack animals. Just her on her horse, alone... all the way from Sour Apple Flat to Imnaha. Shawn was busy breaking camp... a huge job as well. He was there when she arrived that night at the Hubbard Ranch. She could see his head lamp coming up the trail to meet her... Only there was only one horse following her. It seems when she got off to shut the last gate, just one horse had come through... the rest were waiting back at the gate. In the dark she had missed them.
The years passed, and Shelly, now 60, says they sold the business to Jacob and Ashley Spaur. Thus, ending a long and adventurous career… one that is a dying art these days. One of the toughest ways to make a living, however one that provides a life style that has its own reward.
These days you may see Shawn driving truck for Farm Supply, or Shelly cooking at M.Crow in Lostine. This couple knows the meaning of team work and work…
Congratulations Shawn and Shelly... a well-deserved couple to rein as 2025 Mule Days Grand Marshalls.
Welcome
Welcome and thank you for joining us for the 44th Annual Hells Canyon Mule Days Celebration of Mules and Muleskinners Traditions.
As the summer season is nearing an end and the beautiful days of Fall are close at hand with shorter daylight hours and cooler evenings you know it is time to celebrate a Wallowa County tradition that started in 1981… three days of family fun at Hells Canyon Mule Days.
Mule Days is staged to rally mule men and women, cowboys and cowgirls, ranchers, farmers, rural folks and urban visitors, to enjoy the three-day weekend of family fun with activities geared for the interest and enjoyment of locals and visitors alike.
The many weekend events include mule classes that demonstrate the versatility and talents of the mule. This year there will be two free mule clinics. David Morrison, from Walla Walla, Washington, will conduct the clinics on “Saddle Fit.” The clinics appeal to both mule and horse individuals and everyone is welcome to attend and learn something new. The Max Walker Memorial Cowboy Poetry Gathering Friday evening at the OK Theatre will entertain with wild cowboy tales and traditional cowboy music. Don’t miss the non-motorized parade on Main Street at noon on Saturday, and enjoy the B-B-Q Scholarship Dinner Saturday early evening on The Green. Dave Stamey, the Charlie Russell of Western Music, is back for Hells Canyon Mule Days. J. D. Kindle will open the concert, and it will be a great Saturday evening at the OK Theatre. The skill of the Dutch Oven Cook-Off teams will be tested starting at 9:00 am Sunday morning with awards being presented after the Official Judging and People’s Choice Judging at noon.
Vendors, exhibitors and western artists will delight everyone with their vast array of wares and talents. Bonnie Shields has “retired” as an exhibitor, but she has contributed three outstanding items for the Mule Days raffle and you will want to buy tickets in hopes for your winning ticket to be drawn on Sunday afternoon.
May you enjoy your stay and take time to explore all of Wallowa County… God’s Country.
If this is your first visit to Mule Days, WELCOME, we are glad you are here, and if you are a returning fan, WELCOME BACK!
So, on behalf of the Mule Days event committee, I invite one and all to join and share in the fun and enjoy all the activities!
Sondra Lozier, President Smiles always…
Arena Director: Craig Yaw
Arena Crew:
Kathleen Yaw, Dick Walker, Mike McWilliams, Peggy Brennan, Sierre Carver and crew
Show Announcer: Tony Yost
Official Show Judge: Tim McFetridge
Trail Judge: Elaine La Rochel
Show Secretary: Bonnie Jones
Chute Boss: Craig Yaw
Awards presentation:
Janet Werner, Kathleen Yaw and Crew
Show Photographer: Angelika Ursula Dietrich-Garoutte Wildhorses Thunder Studio
Sound:
J’s Place - Jay Connolly
Grand Marshals: Shawn & Shelly Steen
2025-2026 County 4-H Court: Chenoa Brockman, Natalie Peterson, and Edie Kennedy
BBQ Dinner: Belinda Kuntz & crew
BBQ Beef:
JD’s BBQ & crew
Cowboy Gathering: Andy Bales
Dutch Oven Cook-Off: Vicki Searles & Crew
Exhibitors/Vendors: Sondra Lozier
Graphic Designer: Ali Garrett
Marketing & Publicity: Sondra Lozier
Parade: Tina Hite & Brenda Brock
Parade Announcer: Tony Yost
Show Logo Design: Bonnie Shields
Signs: Jerry Hays
Sponsors: Sondra Lozier
Water Contractor: Contract Water Wagons
President’s Patient Husband Kent Lozier
Sondra Lozier President
Craig Yaw Vice President
Bonnie Jones Treasurer Board Members
Peggy Brennan
Julie Kooch
Angie Nash
Kathleeen Yaw
Vicki Searles
2025 Schedule of Events
Friday, September 5
8:00 am Main Gate Opens
8:00 am Mule Show
Halter and Showmanship Classes, Driving Events
9:00 am Exhibitors, Vendors & Western Gear
The Green and Quonset Building (Food Booth: JD’s BBQ & Catering 7am - 3pm)
Noon Log Pull, Mule Races & More! (Follows Driving events)
2:30 pm Timed Trail Class
Main Arena & Reining Classes
7:00 pm Max Walker Memorial Scholarship
Cowboy Poetry Gathering Gathering Emcee – Andy Bales
OK Theatre Admission – $10.00 Adults
$5.00 Kids (12 years and younger)
Please Note: Times may vary for class events
Saturday, September 6
8:00 am Main Gate Opens
8:00 am Mule Show
Cattle Sorting & Penning Classes
9:00 am Exhibitors, Vendors & Western Gear
The Green and Quonset Building
Food Booth: JD’s BBQ & Catering 7am - 3pm
9:00 am Free Mule Clinic – “Saddle Fit” Clinic
Warm-up Arena
Everyone Welcome
Noon Non-Motorized Parade
Downtown Enterprise
12:45 pm Spectator Kids Events
Stick Mule Race & Boot Scramble 4-9 years
1:00 pm Grand Entry & Mule Show
Main Arena
Fun and Entertaining Events: Driving Classes, Fast Ass Express, Speed Ball, Barrel Racing, Musical Tires, Pole Bending, Jump-Off Challenge and more.
5:00 pm BBQ Dinner On The Green
$12.00 Advance - $ 15.00 At Dinner
7:00 pm Dave Stamey
An evening of Great Music! J.D. Kindle to Open.
OK Theatre
Showtime: 7:00 pm • Doors Open at 6:00 pm
Tickets: $25.00 Advance - $30.00 Door
Children (12 & Younger) $15.00
*$25.00 when you buy concert tickets with your HCMD Admission Button
Please Note: Times may vary for class events
Sunday, September 7
7:30 am Main Gate Opens
7:30 am Cowboy Church
Outdoor Stage
Jeff Barnhart & Soul Renovation
Come for Church and Stay for Breakfast Food Booth: JD’s BBQ & Catering 7am - 3pm
9:00 am Mule Show
Trail Class, English & Western Pleasure, Ranch Riding, Flapjack Race, Bareback $5 Challenge, & lots more!
9:00 am Exhibitors, Vendors & Western Gear
The Green and Quonset Building Food Booth: JD’s BBQ & Catering 7am - 3pm
9:00 am Dutch Oven Cook-Off
Two member teams
One pot cook-off
Main Dish and/or Dessert
Buy your People’s Choice Packet and be part of the tasting and judging.
10:00 am Free Mule Clinic – “Saddle Fit” Clinic Warm-up Arena • Everyone Welcome
3:30 pm Mule Show Awards Presentation
Please Note: Times may vary for class events
Award-Winning Western Musician
Dave Stamey at the OK Theatre
Cowboys and Indians Magazine has called him “the Charlie Russell of Western Music.” Western Horseman Magazine has declared his “Vaquero Song” to be one of the greatest Western songs of all time. True West Magazine named him Best Living Western Solo Musician four years in a row.
Born in Montana and raised in the ranch country of central California, he writes mostly original songs. He sings from the heart with a voice that echoes many of his heroes like Bob Nolan and Ian Tyson. But, it’s the presence he brings to his songs and the music that makes it real today. There’s no effort in the way he carries his cowboy culture; it’s just as real and American as the fields and ranches where he was raised.
Dave Stamey has been a cowboy, a mule packer, a dude wrangler, and is now one of the most popular Western entertainers working today. He has been voted seven times Entertainer of the Year, seven times Male Performer of the Year and Five times Songwriter of the Year by the Western Music Association, and received the Will Rogers Award from the Academy of Western Artists. In November of 2016 Dave was inducted into the Western Music Hall of Fame. He’s delighted audiences in twenty-three states, and finds that he prefers this to being stomped by angry horses.
When asked how he went from buckaroo to balladeer and became the premiere Western music performer of the day, Stamey’s answer is as terse and unassuming as cowpokes often are.
“Attrition,” he responded. “I’m the last guy standing.” Legends who paved the way before him have largely come and gone. From Gene Autry, Roy Rogers and Marty Robbins to more contemporary artists like Don Edwards, Ian Tyson and Waddie Mitchell, the singing cowboy has all but rode off into the sunset.
Award-Winning Western Musician
Dave Stamey At the OK Theatre
Show Opening: J.D. Kindle
Doors open at 6:00 pm Concert 7:00 pm
Admission: Pre Event $25.00 At the Door: $30.00
Tickets: Online: Eventbrite
Local: Joseph Hardware, The Dollar Stretche The Bookloft
Sponsored by the OK Theatre
It’s our 44th Annual!
Let the Games, Good Times and Family Fun Begin
This year’s Mule Show will be three full days of events that include classes for every age group and skill level. It is a fun family weekend and youngsters enjoy competing and showing their mulemanship abilities as much as the older well honed contestants. The gates open at 8:00 am on Friday with a line-up of Halter & Showmanship. The afternoon events include the Log Pull for singles and teams, Timed Trail Class in the main arena followed with other fun events. Highlights of the weekend events include the Classic JumpOff Challenge which is always a crowd pleaser, and fast action events include pole bending, barrel racing, and the Fast Ass Express. Don’t miss the free mule clinic at 9:00 am Saturday and 10:00 am on Sunday for special tips on training your mule. Before the Grand Entry on Saturday, the popular Kids Stick Mule and Boot Scramble Races are scheduled. These two events are for kids (ages 49 years) who are spectators and everyone wins a blue ribbon and special awards to the winner of each heat. During the Saturday afternoon show there will also be a contest for the oldest spectator and the spectator who has traveled the most miles to attend the show.
The weekend is packed full of mule related happenings and there is always something to see and do for the whole family. Visitors can enjoy strolling The Green and visiting with vendors, exhibitors and western artists. Be sure to buy your lucky raffle ticket for your favorite item in the Mule Days Raffle. Some of the raffle items included will be a Buffalo Skull from Stangel Buffalo Ranch, a complete Dutch Oven setup for the beginner to enjoy Dutch Oven Cooking, Bonnie Shields, well known Tennessee Mule Artist, “mule art” works, also a signed copy of the book about her story and artwork, and a HCMD Belt Buckle.
The Max Walker Memorial Cowboy Poetry Gathering will start at 7:00 pm Friday evening at the historic OK Theatre in downtown Enterprise. Come sit, enjoy some cowboy yarns and experience traditional country music from a great line-up of poets and musicians. The admission fee is a $10.00 donation and will go to the Max Walker Memorial Scholarship Fund. Early arrival is advised as this quickly becomes a standing-room-only event.
Saturday events not to be missed include the non-motorized parade with this year’s Grand Marshals, Shawn and Shelly Steen, leading the precession of riders, teams, pack-strings, local horse clubs, and former Grand Marshals. Enjoy the Saturday evening Memorial Scholarship BBQ Dinner on The Green at 5:00 pm.
The Saturday night concert starts at 7:00 pm, doors open at 6:00, at the OK Theatre. Dave Stamey, the Charlie Russell of Western Music, will entertain you with his western songs for a night to remember. PRE - $25.00 • ATD - $30.00 Sunday morning starts with Cowboy Church at the outdoors stage with Soul Renovation at 7:30 am and Jeff Barnhart will conduct the morning church service. Everyone is welcome… Come for church and stay for breakfast, being served by JD’s BBQ & Catering (home cooked style) in the Food Booth.
The Dutch Oven Cook-Off is scheduled at 9:00 am on Sunday starting with some great local and visiting teams working their culinary magic. If you wish to enter the Adult or Youth categories the Dutch Oven Cook-off packet is on the Mule Days website. Spectators are invited to visit team members and learn about traditional pioneer cooking. There will be a People’s Choice category and the packet entitles samples of each team’s dishes, a vote on the best dish in each category. People’s Choice packets are limited and may be purchased during the Dutch Oven Cook-Off.
Your HCMD Souven-ears Admission Button is valid for return privileges all three days... $10.00 for adults, $8.00 for seniors (60 & older) $3.00 for kids (7 thru 12 yrs.) and kids 6 years and younger are free when accompanied by an adult. Can only attend the show for one day? Daily admission, adults or seniors $5.00, kids (7 thru 12 yrs.) $2.00.
Handicap Accessible • Covered Seating • Free ParkingBe sure to make HCMD part of your summer plans and come celebrate with us a Wallowa County Tradition of Mules and Muleskinners.
FMI: Sondra Lozier, Home 541-426-3271, Cell 541-263-0104, Work/ Antiques Shop 541-426-3229.
Hells Canyon Mule Days 2025
2025 Class Schedule
Friday, September 5
6
Saturday, September 6
Starting at 8 am
No. Class
43 Team Cattle Sorting - Two (2) riders per team
44 Team Cattle Penning - Three (3) riders per team
9:00 AM Free Mule Clinic - “Saddle Fit” Hosted by David Morrison Warm Up Arena Everyone Welcome
11:30 AM Parade Line Up North side of track across from Les Schwab
12:00 PM Parade begins
Downtown Enterprise on Main Street
12:45 PM Stick Mule Race and Boot Scramble Arena
Stick Mule Race (4 - 9 Years – Spectator kids only)
Boot Scramble
(4 - 9 Years – Spectator kids only)
1:00 PM Hells Canyon Mule Days Grand Entry Grand Entry is open to all contestants
45 Pleasure Driving - 4 Up - Open
46 Fast Ass Express - Three (3) riders per team
47 Obstacle Driving - 4 Up - Open
48 Speedball - Ridden - 18 & Older
49 Speedball - Ridden - 17 & Younger
50 “Jump-Off Challenge - $200 Jackpot Sponsored by Main Street Motors” On the Track (Following Class #50)
51 Log Pull - Single - 18 & Older
52 Log Pull - Single - 17 & Younger
53 Log Pull - Team - 18 & Older
54 Log Pull - Team - 17 & Younger In the Arena (Following Class #50)
55 Pole Bending - 18 & Older
56 Pole Bending - 14 to 17 Years
57 Pole Bending - 13 & Younger
58 Musical Tires - 18 & Older
59 Musical Tires - 17 & Younger
60 Barrel Racing - 18 & Older
61 Barrel Racing - 14 to 17 Years
62 Barrel Racing - 13 & Younger
Dave Stamey Live at the OK Theatre Doors open at 6, Concert at 7 at the OK Theatre, 208 W Main St, Enterprise “One of the most popular Western entertainers working today.” More info and tickets at TheOldOK.com Max Walker Memorial Cowboy Poetry and Western Entertainment Gathering
Sunday, September 7
Starting at 8 am
Cowboy Church - 7:30 AM Sunday
Main Stage. Service - Jeff Barnhart Music by Soul Renovationr
10:00 AM Free Mule Clinic - “Saddle Fit” Hosted by David Morrison Warm Up Arena Everyone Welcome
63 Trail Class - 18 & Older
64 Trail Class - 14 to 17 Years
65 Trail Class - 13 & Younger
66 Trail Class - Green Mule Open
67 Trail Class - In Hand Open
68 Trail Class - Peewee Leadline
69 Peewee Leadline
70 Flapjack Race - 18 & Older
71 Flapjack Race - 17 & Younger 9:00 AM in the arena
72 Western Pleasure - 18 & Older
73 Western Pleasure - 14 to 17 Years
74 Western Pleasure - 13 & Younger
75 Western Pleasure - Open Green Mule
76 Ranch Riding - 18 & Older
77 Ranch Riding - 14 to 17 Years
78 Ranch Riding - 13 & Younger
79 Key Hole Race - 18 & Older
80 Key Hole Race - 14 to 17 Years
81 Key Hole Race - 13 & Younger
82 Steer Daubing - Open
83 Team Branding - Three (3) riders per team
84 English Pleasure - 18 & Older 85 English Pleasure - 17 & Younger
86 English Pleasure - Open Green Mule
Barnyard Jumping - Open
$5 Challenge - 18 & Older 89 Bareback $5 Challenge - 17 & Younger
3:00 PM Awards Presentation “Hi Point Mule
Wallowa County Hi Point Mule
Hi Point Green Mule
Hi Point Performance (Divisions: 18 & Older, 14-17 yrs., 13 & Younger)
Hi Point Gaming (Divisions: 18 & Older, 14-17 years, 13 & Younger)
Sportsmanship
Hard Luck”
Beef BBQ Dinner 5 p.m. On the Green by the Chuckwagon BBQ Beef, Cowtown Coleslaw, Buckaroo Beans, Yeller Corn, Warm Rolls, Lemonade & Bottled Water
Cowboy Church
7:30 am Sunday morning at the stage on The Green
Dutch Oven Cook-off
The cooking starts Sunday morning at 9:00 am with this year’s cook-off featuring a format, in which teams can enter one or two dishes, main dishes and/or desserts, which are judged individually for each category.
AIn 1992, 32 years ago, five people from Wallowa County joined forces to pool their talents and common Christian beliefs to form a band named Soul Renovation that, through the years, has lost and added new members and, at no charge, has performed concerts in locales as distant as Portland. Two members from the original five – Jay Connolly (lead guitar and vocals) and Janice Garrett (keyboard and vocals) with Gary Moffit (guitar and vocals) who joined the group in 2002, and later, Gary’s wife, Terri (bass guitar) joined to the complete the foursome. Although a handful of drummers have performed through the years with Soul Renovation, that spot today is filled by an electronic drummer the band’s human members call “Alice.”
Soul Renovation primarily plays contemporary and country Christian music with touches of blues, old-time hymns, and gospel added to the mix. The group have been friends for many years, but they call themselves, family…
Jeff Barnhart will conduct the short morning church service and says he is not a pastor, but likes to read and share God’s word. Plan to start your Sunday morning with attending the Cowboy Church at 7:30 am at the stage on The Green. There isn’t a gate admission fee for attending church or JD’s BBQ breakfast served in the food booth. Everyone is welcome.
panel of celebrity judges will use International Dutch Oven Society (IDOS) guidelines to determine the Hells Canyon Mule Days Dutch Oven Cook-Off winners. There will be first and second place awards of $100.00 and $75.00 in both the Adult and Youth category, along with a special gift for the People’s Choice winner. The People’s Choice packet entitles samples of each team’s dishes, and to cast a vote for the best dish in each category. People’s Choice packets are limited and may be purchased during the Dutch Oven Cook-Off.
This is a great event for spectators to watch the cook-off teams work their cooking magic, and the public is invited to visit with the team members during the cook-off.
The goal of this event is to have fun, demonstrate Dutch oven cooking skills, and introduce the public to the joys of Dutch oven cooking. There is lots to learn from these seasoned cookers and they enjoy sharing most all their secrets for true success of cooking in a Black Pot.
This competition is a fun event and geared for the novice or backyard enthusiast that enjoys Dutch oven cooking and having a great time with other like minds.
The public is encouraged to join in on the fun and food prepared by competing teams cooking up a variety of dishes in the classic Dutch oven… traditional cast-iron, lidded pots with three legs that use coals or briquettes to cook the food. Everything from stews and roasted meats to bread and cake can be made in a Dutch over.
2024 Dutch Oven Cook-Off Winners
Prize - $100 for first, $75 for second in each category.
People’s Choice Award:
Dutch Oven Deb, Debra Banquez - Melt in Your Mouth Chicken.
Main Dish Entries:
1st Place: Dutch Oven Deb, Debra Banquez - Melt in Your Mouth Chicken.
2nd Place: Buck Wild, Diana Sullivan & Lincoln West - Chicken Fricassee.
Dessert Entries:
1st Place: Dutch Oven Deb, Debra BanquezFried Apple Pies.
Dessert Entries:
2nd Place: Buck Wild, Diana Sullivan & Lincoln West - Huckleberry Cheesecake
Remember to buy some raffle tickets for the “Let’s Get to Cooking”, valued at over $450.00, and includes everything for the start-up Dutch oven cook! Sponsored by Camp Chef and Hells Canyon Mule Days. And you don’t have to be present to win. Come join the fun.
First formed in 1992, Soul Renovation is a Christian band from Wallowa County that will open the Cowboy Church service on Sunday morning. Pictured left to right is Jay Connolly, Janice Garrett, Gary Moffit, and Terri Moffit.
Team Buck Wild (from left to right) Judge Kim Tippett, Co-Chair Sondra Lozier, Judge Ramona Phillips and Team Dutch Oven Deb.
2025-2026 Wallowa County 4-H Court
The members of the 2025-2026 Wallowa County 4-H Court are from left to right: (Check order please) Chenoa Brockman Edie Kennedy, and Sadie Kennedy
The selection for the 2025-2026 4-H Court was announced Saturday afternoon during the awards program at the Wallowa County Fair.
Chenoa Brockman is the daughter of Fred and Odette Brockman, and entering 9th grade at Enterprise High School. Edie Kennedy is the daughter of Hanley and Sadie Kennedy, Homeschool, 8th grade, and Natalie Peterson makes up the threesome, and her parents are Doug Peterson and Brenda Johnson, and will be in 9th grade at the Joseph Charter School.
The girls will spend this coming year promoting 4-H across the county, acting as emcees for awards programs, and working with community organizations as the official representatives of the Wallowa County 4-H program. At the Hells Canyon Mule Days event, they will be in the downtown parade on Saturday noon handing out balloons to youngsters, and they will help serve at the B-B-Q Scholarship Dinner Saturday evening. They will also be selling “Mule Chip Lottery” tickets to help support the Max Walker Memorial Scholarship Fund. Make sure to buy your lucky number space from them on Saturday for a chance to win $250.00.
The HCMD show committee thanks the 4-H Court for giving their energy and support to the Mule Days event, and wishes them a great year with all their 4-H activities and projects!
For more information about the 4-H program contact Debi Warnock at 541-426-3143.
2025 Hells Canyon Mule Days
Event Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Bank of Eastern Oregon
Carpet One Floor & Home
East Oregonian
Ed Staub & Sons
Enterprise Animal Hospital
Kellermann Logging, Inc
Les Schwab Tire Center
Paws & Claws Kennel
Red Rose Boutique
Thompson Auto Supply
Wallowa County
Chamber of Commerce
Wallowa County Chieftain
Silver Sponsors
Ace Hardware Wallowa Co
Hafer & Sons Construction
Wallowa Title Company
Banner Sponsors
Dollar Stretcher
Elkhorn Media Group
The Superstation - KCMB/104.7
Gem State Mule Company
Hurricane Coffee Company
North Idaho Saddle Mule Club
OK Theatre
Pepsi-Cola Bottling Co
Stubborn Mule
Saloon & Steakhouse
Wheatland Insurance
Event Sponsors
Bookloft & Skylight Gallery
Dennis & Peggy Brennan
Enterprise Electric/Rental
Hillocks Stor-All
Joseph Electric
La Laguna Mexican Restaurant
Neil’s Body Shop
Northwest Fence Company
Ponderosa Motel
Sports Corral
Stangel Buffalo Ranch
Stangel Industries
Sugar Time Bakery
Wallowa Lake Lodge
Ribbon Sponsor
Mad Mary and Company
Cowboy Poetry Sponsors
Family of Lee Manes
Quail Run Ranch
VEMCO
The Walker Family Wallowa County Grain Growers HCMD Pit BBQ Sponsors
Anton’s Home and Spirits
Bales Mobile Mix Concrete
Central Copy & Shipping
Enterprise Flower Shop
S. F. Gilstrap, CPA
Hayes Printing & Graphic’s
Heavenly’s Restaurant
Longhorn Espresso
Mikes Garage
OK Theatre
Outlaw Motor Sports
Paul’s Service Station
Perry & Associates PC
R & R Drive In
Rahn Sanitary Service
Red Rooster Café
Ruby Peak Naturals
Tyler Schaffeld DMD
TLC Family Hair Care
Winding Waters Clinic PC HCMD Dutch Oven Cook-Off Sponsors
Favorite Finds on Main Antiques
Granite View Foot & Ankle
Umpqua Bank
Camp Chef
The Way to Cook Outdoors
Cowboy Poetry Gathering
Quail Run Ranch
The Family of Lee Manes
VEMCO
The Walker Family
Wallowa County Grain Growers
Top Hand Award Winner
Bonnie Shields 2025 Top Hand Award winner
Since 1981 this annual event has been organized and implemented with all volunteer help. Over the years many people have given their personal time and extra effort for the success of this annual Wallowa County tradition…
The Hells Canyon Mule Days committee, realizing that its volunteers are the life blood of the event and are often unrecognized for their valuable outstanding contributions and commitment to carry out many thankless tasks, established The Top Hand Award in 2006 as an annual accolade designed to honor exceptional individuals dedicated to the success of the event and to extend a special “thank you”.
Mule Days is paying tribute to the true spirit of volunteering by presenting this year’s Top Hand Award to Bonnie Shields. For the past many many years, (23 and counting) Bonnie has been a true supporter of this annual event by volunteering her time and artistic talents.
Shields has been a champion for the resurgence of Hells Canyon Mule Days since 2002 when the annual event almost went bust for lack of leadership and volunteers. Sondra Lozier spokesperson for the event praised Shields for her continued support of attending the show as an exhibitor, donating Idaho Gem for the 2004 raffle item, and giving her time and talents by creating a new signature logo for the events 25th anniversary in 2005. Shields also designed the Bronze Relief Plaque for the 2005 Hi-Point Awards and Valley Bronze of Oregon in Joseph, Oregon cast the bronze plaque. Each year Shields designs the annual logo used for buckle awards, t shirts, program cover and posters. Lozier said, “we wholeheartedly appreciate everything Bonnie has contributed to the success of our event and all that she gives to support and promote The Longears, she is one of a kind!”
Shields has retired from being an exhibitor at mule shows, including Hells Canyon Mule Days, but still plans to design the annual HCMD show logo. Also, as in past years, Shields has donated her art work for the raffle so be sure to buy your winning raffle ticket.
Past Hells Canyon Mule Days Top Hand Award Winners
2006 Larry and Juanita Waters Joseph, OR
2007 Warren and Zoe Matthews Princeton, OR
2008 Dick Walker Union, OR
2009 Kent and Chris Lozier Enterprise, OR
2010 Susan Hollenbeak Riggens, ID
2011 George Burnett Aurora, OR
2012 Alan & Cheri Miller Wallowa, OR
2013 John Hollenbeak Joseph, OR
2014 Clay Freels Enterprise, OR
2015 Midge Kliewer, Diane Knox Joseph, OR
2016 Harold & Pam Stitzel Wallowa, OR
2017 Sondra Lozier
Enterprise, OR
2018 Belinda Kuntz
Enterprise, OR
2019 Jay Connolly Enterprise, OR
2022 Chris & Christina Lozier Enterprise, OR
2023 Harry & Ginger Daggett Joseph, OR
2024 Mike McWilliams La Grande, OR
A long-standing member of the Cowboy Cartoonist Association, her wide variety of “mule art” can be viewed by visiting her website, wwwbonnieshields.com. She said she will be attending Hells Canyon Mule Days this year… “as a spectator so I can watch the show.”
The HCMD board of directors and committee members say a big “Thank You” to Bonnie Shields, this year’s Top Hand Award winner. We couldn’t do it without you!!!
2025 Hells Canyon Mule Days Thank You Volunteers
Max Walker Memorial Cowboy Gathering
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2025 Max Walker Memorial Scholarship Winners
The Hells Canyon Mule Days Board of Directors being focused on supporting the youth of our County are pleased to award three $1000.00 scholarships to three Wallowa County high school seniors attending college in 2025-2026. The scholarship committee is pleased to award the 2025 scholarships.
Lucas Goodrich
Son of Nathan and Molly Goodrich. Lucas graduated from Joseph Charter School and he is attending Oregon Institute of Technology in Klamath Falls, Oregon, to pursue a degree in Environmental Science.
Cody Johnston
Son of Zach and Tiffany Lathrop, graduated from Wallowa High School and will be attending Blue Mountain Community College in Pendleton, Oregon. Cody plans to study mechanical engineering and diesel technology to become a Certified Diesel Mechanic.
Zella Moore
daughter of Pierce Heska-McJannet and Sarah Moore, graduated from Enterprise High School and she will be attending Boise State University in Boise, Idaho. Zella plans to achieve her life-long goal of being a therapist with earning a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Psychology.
Once again there was a strong field of applicants and each one was very deserving. The committee was impressed by the diverse goals of Lucas, Cody, and Zella, and their character evaluation references, career choices and leadership qualities.
The HCMD Board of Directors congratulates each student and wishes them a successful and enjoyable future as they pursue their college education.
The Max Walker Memorial Scholarship program was conceived in 2005 to honor the late Max Walker, one of the founding members and supporters for the Mule Days event. To date, Hells Canyon Mule Days has awarded a total of $60,000.00 to Wallowa County students to help further their academic goals. The scholarships are funded in part by the Max Walker family, and sponsors John and Glennie Martin, the family of Lee Manes, Vemco, and Wallowa County Grain Growers. Also, the proceeds from the HCMD Max Walker Memorial Cowboy Poetry Gathering helps fund the annual scholarships.
Name
Hells Canyon Mule Days
Flip through this beautiful hardbound book that has over 400 pages of Bonnie’s magic! This beautifully printed book showcases Bonnie’s vast creativity and deadpan humor.
REMARKABLE, FUNNY, HUMBLE & KIND
Books, DVDs and Video on Demand for the whole family!
Books & DVDs for Little Buckaroos!