Tenn. Firefighters to Ride Donkeys for Fundraiser

The men and women of the New Market Volunteer Fire Department aren't horsing around when it comes to raising some much-needed money for their squad.

The firefighters are hosting their second "donkey basketball" event this year on Friday in the gymnasium of Rush Strong School, 3081 W. Andrew Johnson Highway in Strawberry Plains, in hopes of raising enough money to cover operational costs of the department and purchase some necessary equipment.

For the game, five players ride their mules onto the basketball court and have to maneuver their animal to the other side without falling off to shoot a basket.

"They buck you, they throw you, they lay down on you. It's hilarious," said Sammy Solomon, captain of the New Market Fire Department. "If you come sad, you'll leave happy, you'll leave laughing."

Solomon said the game serves as one of the main fundraisers for the fire department. He said organizers are expecting to have up to 600 people, but will probably only raise about half of what is needed to purchase a new rescue truck.

"Maybe not even half," Solomon said.

The funds also will go to help the firefighters pay for the diesel used in the trucks, upkeep of the fire house, and other equipment.

Tickets are $6 in advance and $8 at the door. To purchase tickets early, call Solomon at 865-740-7928.

Copyright 2012 - The Knoxville News-Sentinel, Tenn.

McClatchy-Tribune News Service