Hard Work Behind the Scenes: MHS Students Volunteer at Mule Days

Football players and the Junior Class help support a beloved Eastern Sierra tradition while raising funds for their programs

When visitors arrive at Bishop Mule Days each Memorial Day weekend, they see a world-class event featuring hundreds of mules, exciting competitions, concerts, vendors, and the famous parade. What they don't always see is the tremendous amount of work required before, during, and after the event—and the Mammoth High School students who help make it happen.

This year, members of the Mammoth High School Football Team and the Class of 2027 rolled up their sleeves and traveled to Bishop to support one of the Eastern Sierra's most iconic events and earn critical funding they need.

For the football team, the work began before Mule Days officially opened. Players spent a long, dirty day helping prepare the fairgrounds by moving heavy ground mats and assisting with the setup of pens and enclosures throughout the facility. It's dirty, physically demanding work that takes place behind the scenes, but it is a job the team has taken on year after year.

During the event itself, members of the Junior Class helped staff the celebration by taking tickets, assisting attendees, and helping with cleanup and breakdown after the event.

Founded more than 50 years ago, Bishop Mule Days has grown into one of the largest mule events in the world, drawing tens of thousands of visitors to the Eastern Sierra each year. The six-day celebration features competitions, demonstrations, entertainment, and the world's longest non-motorized parade, while showcasing the important role mules have played in the history and development of the American West.

For Mammoth High students, however, Mule Days represents more than a community tradition—it is an opportunity to earn funds that help support their activities, programs, and future goals.

While spectators see students on the field, court, stage, or in the classroom, what is less visible is the year-round effort required to raise the funds that make those experiences possible. Student groups, athletic teams, and classes regularly participate in volunteer projects, community events, and fundraising activities to help offset the costs of equipment, travel, uniforms, competitions, and other program expenses.

The work at Mule Days is a perfect example of that commitment. Students give up personal time, travel to Bishop, and take on challenging jobs because they understand that success requires teamwork both on and off the field.

The Mammoth High School Booster Club is grateful to the football players, Junior Class students, advisors, coaches, and families who contributed their time and effort to this year's event. Their willingness to serve not only supports their own programs but also strengthens the partnerships that connect communities throughout the Eastern Sierra.

The next time you see a student athlete competing, a class hosting an event, or a student group traveling to represent Mammoth High School, remember that countless hours of volunteer work often happen long before those moments arrive.

At Mammoth High School, success is built not only through talent and dedication, but through a willingness to work hard, give back, and support one another.