Gideon Lerner drives his mule in the single-hitch log pull Friday, Sept. 8, 2023, during Hells Canyon Mule Days. The 2024 edition of the event kicks off Friday, Sept. 6 at the Wallowa County Fairgrounds in Enterprise.

ENTERPRISE — Pastor Jeff Barhart will lead Sunday’s Cowboy Church service at the 43rd Hells Canyon Mule Days doing what he likes best, reading and sharing God’s word.

The service starts at 7:30 a.m. in the main stage on the green at the Wallowa County Fairgrounds.

Barnhart will be accompanied by Soul Renovation, a musical group that first formed in 1992 through the members’ Christian beliefs and love for gospel music, contemporary songs and hymns. Two of the original members remain in the group — Jay Connolly on lead guitar and vocals and Janice Garrett on keyboard and vocals.

Performing with Connolly and Garrett are Gary Moffit on guitar and vocals and his wife, Terri, on bass guitar. Drums are performed by “Alice,” an electronic drummer.

There’s no gate admission for the church service or the 4-H breakfast served in the food booth.

The weekend’s festivities begin Friday at 8 a.m. when the main gate opens, followed by the Mule Show featuring halter and showmanship classes and driving events, including the log pull, mule races and more.

Next, exhibitors and vendors show their wares on the green and in the Quonset Building. The 4-H food booth is open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

At noon to 2:30 p.m., are more mule events, concluding with the time trail class in the main arena.

At 7 p.m. is the Max Walker Memorial Scholarship Cowboy Poetry Gathering, emceed by Andy Bales at the OK Theatre in downtown Enterprise. Cost is $10 for adults or $5 for kids 12 and younger.

On Saturday, the Mule Show starts at 8 a.m. with the trail class in the main arena.

At 9 a.m., vendors, exhibitors and Western gear will be on display on the green and in the Quonset Building. Again, the 4-H food booth is open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

At 9 a.m. is a free mule clinic in the warmup arena.

At noon is the nonmotorized parade through downtown Enterprise and back to the fairgrounds.

This is followed at 12:45 p.m. by spectator kids events, such as a stick mule race and boot scramble for kids 4-9 years old.

At 1 p.m. is the Grand Entry and Mule Show in the main arena. It includes driving classes, a “fast-ass express,” speed ball, redneck golf, a jump-off challenge, pole bending and more.

Beginning at 5 p.m. is a barbecue dinner on the Green. Cost is $12 in advance or $15 at the dinner.

At 7 p.m. begins an evening of music with headliners Wylie & the Wild West at the OK Theatre. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets are $35 in advance or $30 at the door. Children 12 and under cost $15.

Sunday after church, at 9 a.m., is another mule show, with trail class, English and Western pleasure, ranch riding and redneck fishing.

From 9 a.m., exhibitors and vendors will display their wares on the green and at the Quonset Building.

Also at 9 a.m. begins a Dutch-oven cook-off. Teams consist of two members on a one-pot cook-off. They prepare a main dish and/or a dessert. Spectators can purchase a “Peoples Choice” packet and be part of the judging and tasting.

At 10 a.m. is a free mule clinic in the warmup arena.

The day — and the event — concludes at 3:30 p.m. with the Mule Show Awards Presentation.