
Need Wranglers, Ropers
In Pioneer Burro Derby
Wranglers and ropers are needed for the 12th running of the National Burro Derby, to be off and running Aug. 5, at Pioneertown.
Wranglers and ropers are needed for the 12th running of the National Burro Derby, to be off and running Aug. 5, at Pioneertown.
Shown getting in shape for the Aug. 5 start of the Pioneertown to Big Bear Burro Derby is Lio Pedrezzano of Desert Hot Springs, a veteran mule pusher in these events. The burros and their drivers leave Pioneertown Aug. 5 with stops scheduled at Yucca Valley, Landers and Lucerne Valley before reaching Big Bear Aug. 7. The wrangler must lead, push and shove the obstreperous burro over much of the rugged terrain.
Sixty burros, which will be competing in the 12 annual National Burro Derby starting Aug.5, were inspected here Tuesday by officials of the Los Angeles Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Southern California Humane Society.
Modern communication systems will take a back seat to the carrier pigeon this week during the twelfth annual national wild burro race, to be held Thursday, Friday, and Saturday between Pioneertown and Big Bear Lake, a distance of some 40 miles.
When the 12th annual National Burro Derby gets under way here Thursday, a special detail of Humane Society officers will go along to insure that the animals are not mistreated.
It will be “Big Bear Lake Or Bust’ for 95 wild burros and their intrepid wranglers who line up here on the starting line at 7 a.m. today and begin their three-day 40-mile 12th Annual National Burro Derby. Finish line is at the Elks Club at Big Bear Lake.
Wrangler Richard Kelly, El Monte, formerly of Big Bear, paced his burro to a first-day win yesterday in 2 hours, 55 minutes to take the opener in the three-day, 12th annual burro derby from Pioneertown to Big Bear Lake.
Winners in what is probably the zaniest race in the country – the National Burro Derby – were confirmed yesterday. The three day Derby included crossing both high desert and mountain trails, and a 48-mile truck ride.
Six photogenic candidates for “Miss Pioneer Pass” along with the competing shutterbugs and their photographic entries and gathering gold enthusiasts, will participate Friday night in the Pioneer Pass Golf Challenge “Press Night” held at the Yucca Valley Golf Club.
The terrace of the Yucca Valley Golf Club was the sight of the Pioneer Pass Camera Cavalcade Press Night Friday night in which Marsi Sipherd of Twentynine Palms was chosen to reign as Miss Pioneer Pass during the classic three-day Pioneer Pass Golf Challenge on Oct. 1, 2, 3.