First annual Henryetta event features “One Armed Bandit”
Henryetta’s 1st Annual Mule & Donkey Days, scheduled for Oct. 22-23 at Nichols Park, will feature daily performances by Oklahoma’s own “One Armed Bandit,” John Payne.
He will provide a thrilling, show-stopping and highly acclaimed performance each day that includes mustangs and mules and even buffalo!
Payne took on the name, “The One Armed Bandit,” after he was electrocuted at the age of 20 by 7,200 volts.
For five minutes after, he was completely unresponsive and showed no vital signs.
His friend, Gary Hughes, leaped into action and was able to resuscitate him and bring him back to life.
Payne suffered severe burns and was taken to a burn center in Tulsa where he spent five weeks, losing his right hand.
The loss didn’t cause him to skip a beat though. He performs at many rodeos each year with his oneof- a-kind act. Today, at the age of 69, he is still going strong and looks forward to the weekend event in Henryetta.
Organizers of Henryetta Mule & Donkey Days are Sandy Warschaw and her husband Scott Handy and Cindy K. Roberts with Every Cowgirl’s Dream.
A grand mule and donkey parade on Main Street will officially kick off the weekend on Saturday morning at 9 a.m. from 10th Street to 3rd Street.
Linda Jester will be the parade overseer and Marcus Whitworth will be the announcer.
Activities will follow at Nichols Park at 11 a.m.
“If you like rodeo, you’re gonna love these mule and donkey events,” Warschaw said. “Come and watch and enjoy this family-friendly event.”
Two fun-filled days will also include a stick pony race and boot scramble for children, Pin the Tail on the Donkey, mule and donkey jumping and racing events, daily prizes as well as a variety of vendors and commemorative t-shirts and hats and more.
“There will be over $6,000 in prizes paid out, thanks to our sponsors,” Warschaw said. “We will also be giving away 10 fuel cards, five each day, for $50 each and two carriage rides at Bricktown for two.”
Saturday will host a variety of novice events with pro events held on Sunday.
“This is the only event of this kind in all of Oklahoma,” Warschaw said. “We hope everyone will come out and enjoy a unique and memorable show. We have put a lot of time and effort into making this event a success.”
There will be a general admission gate fee of $5 per adult and $2 for children age six to 12. All children age five and under will be admitted for free.
Organizers would like to thank all of the following sponsors for making Henryetta’s 1st Annual Mule & Donkey Days possible: Arkoma Resources LLC, American Exchange Bank, First Family Federal Credit Union, Rainbow Liquor, Coble Highland Ranch, K & W Car Wash, Integrity Funeral Service, Simpson’s Liquor, Collett Equine, Shoney’s, Crosby Real Estate, Edward Jones Investments of Henryetta, LUV Ford, Farrow Construction, Triple V Farms, Nuyaka Riding Club, Colton Shavings & Feed, Cameo Carriage Company, Paul’s Western Store, Farmers Insurance (Daniel Piatt), Henryetta Eye Center, Wessel Equine Chiropractor, Rene’s Appraisals, Henryetta Chamber of Commerce and Embroidery Plus.
For more information, visit www.henryettamuledonkeyday.com, Henryetta Mule & Donkey Days on Facebook or call 918-290-9315.
