Donkey ball is back for craziest show on earth

Even before the last event was over, people were already asking when the next Donkey Basketball was going to be. That was two years ago.

Back by popular demand, the family-fun event takes place Saturday, Jan. 6, from 7-8:30 p.m., at the Cornell High School. The fundraiser is held to help offset the ever- rising costs of the annual July 3 fireworks display.

“The city has a set budget and it really comes down to, do we spend more on the display or try to fix a road,” said donkey basketball organizer Ginna Young. “The annual display brings in so much business to Cornell, each year, I couldn’t stand by and see that suffer.”

Hosted by the Cornell Area Betterment Association (CABA), the event deals with Dairyland Donkey Ball, a company who has long-time connections to the area. During the games, “celebrity” riders try to score on the other team, while riding the sometimes uncooperative animals.

“It truly is hilarious,” said Young. “If you’ve never been to one of these, you don’t know what you’re missing. It’s very much worth the price of admission.”

Tickets can be purchased at the Courier Sentinel office, during business hours, but prices go up at the door, so advance tickets are recommended. Families can also make a night of it, as a spaghetti dinner will be served from 5:30-6:30 p.m., that night, in the high school commons.

Meal tickets for that can be purchased at the event.

“They really mean it, when they say the craziest show on earth,” said Young. “I guarantee your stomach will hurt with laughter afterward.”