While donkey basketball may seem like an unconventional pairing, the William Kelley High School gymnasium is set to host this unique event on the evening of Monday, November 24th. As a major fundraiser, the Class of 2026 is organizing this fun, family-friendly spectacle to support their upcoming senior activities. Donkey basketball was last seen in Silver Bay in 2018, and its return promises an evening of lighthearted competition and community spirit.
For those unfamiliar with the concept, this version of basketball involves players attempting to score baskets while mounted on live donkeys. The donkeys are provided by Dairyland Donkey Ball, a Wisconsin-based company with a long and fascinating history. The company’s roots trace back to the Great Depression, with various family members running donkey-centric entertainment businesses across the United States over the decades. The current incarnation, Dairyland Donkey Ball, has been in operation since 2004 and now puts on approximately 200 shows each year, bringing its brand of unique entertainment to 23 states across the country.
A show typically lasts about an hour and a half and features several distinct rounds of play. In Silver Bay, four teams, comprised of students, faculty, and other community members, will compete. Players have been selected as “Donkey Jockeys” and must be over the age of 16 and weigh under 225 pounds to participate. For their safety, helmets are mandatory and are provided by Dairyland Donkey Ball, though riders may bring their own if they prefer. The event also includes a fun halftime experience where children aged twelve and under can enjoy a free donkey ride, creating a memorable moment for the younger audience members.
The planning of such an unusual event is a significant undertaking, led by senior class advisors Amy Johnson and Lisa Malcomb. They have been working closely with Dairyland Donkey Ball to ensure a successful and smooth event. A common concern for any school hosting such an activity is potential damage to the gymnasium floor. Dairyland Donkey Ball addresses this with a perfect track record of never having damaged a gym floor. Their donkeys are fitted with special rubber shoes, which are nailed on just like a standard horseshoe, but with all nails recessed for safety. Each animal is meticulously inspected before every game to ensure the shoes are in perfect condition and will not cause any harm to the playing surface. In addition, the senior class has designated a “sanitation crew” to be on standby to handle any unexpected messes.
The evening is structured to accommodate the whole family. Doors open at 6:00 PM, allowing early attendees to find a good seat and enjoy a snack from the Senior Class Bake Sale. This bake sale is a dual-purpose effort, serving to raise additional funds for the Class of 2026 while offering tasty treats to the crowd. The games themselves will officially kick off at 7:00 PM, with two rounds of competition determining which two teams will advance to the championship round.
For those interested in attending, tickets are available in advance for $10 and can be purchased until 6:00 PM on Monday, the day of the event. A QR code is provided for digital purchases (see below), and buyers will receive a QR code in return for entry. At the door, tickets will be $15 for anyone over the age of five, while children five and under can enter for free. A Will Call table will be set up to assist anyone with ticketing issues or those who purchased traditional paper tickets through the school.
All money raised from ticket sales and the bake sale will go directly to the Class of 2026 to help fund their senior activities and celebrate their final year of high school.
