Donkey basketball supports fireworks with a good time

A fundraiser to keep the annual Cornell July 3 fireworks display as big and beautiful as ever, is set to be a blast in itself.

The family-friendly evening, Friday, March 18, features donkey basketball and a spaghetti dinner.

“This year we were informed, unexpectedly, the cost (of the fireworks display) had gone up 20 percent,” said Ginna Young, event organizer.

The city is on a set budget for the fireworks display, so either additional funds are needed, or the length and volume of the display will decrease. Young says the fundraiser has fallen into place quickly, as they had to take the date the donkey ball company had available.

The spaghetti dinner will be held in the Cornell High School commons, from 5:30-7 p.m. The meal includes spaghetti/ meat sauce, garlic bread, salad, dessert and a beverage. There will also be a meatless option available.

“We’ve already had many of the items donated, so that helps with the cost,” said Young.

The school district also allowed free use of the facility for the evening, which Young says is greatly appreciated.

Young says they thought the meal would be nice to help streamline families’ evenings.

“They don’t have to worry about fixing a meal before they come,” said Young. “They can just come have a good supper and go have fun watching the ball games.”

Meals are available for purchase the day of the event and no admission for the ball game is required to eat.

After the dinner, the action moves to the gym. Four teams will face off to see who is best able to shoot hoops while riding a donkey. Teams will start by going headto- head, before a championship game determines the winner.

“It’s the funnest thing on the planet,” said Young.

The teams will be composed of familiar faces from throughout the community.

There will also be free donkey rides during half-time, for elementary-aged children. Students will have free ride tickets sent home from the school, but will still need paid admission for the event. The youngsters also must be accompanied by an adult during the ride.

Volunteers are also needed, to help the event go smoothly. Young says they need help serving food, cleaning up and a variety of other tasks. Volunteers do need to have an admission ticket.

Donkey ball tickets are available for purchase in advance at the Courier Sentinel office, by contacting Young at 715-313-3713, and at the door. Entrance prices go up the day of the event.

Those interested in volunteering, in any capacity, should also contact Young.

“If you’ve never been, now is the time to come,” said Young. “You won’t regret it.”