Day July 29, 1965

Shown getting in shape for the Aug. 5 start of the Pioneertown to Big Bear Burro Derby is Lio Pedrezzano of Desert Hot Springs, a veteran mule pusher in these events. The burros and their drivers leave Pioneertown Aug. 5 with stops scheduled at Yucca Valley, Landers and Lucerne Valley before reaching Big Bear Aug. 7. The wrangler must lead, push and shove the obstreperous burro over much of the rugged terrain.

Sixty burros, which will be competing in the 12 annual National Burro Derby starting Aug.5, were inspected here Tuesday by officials of the Los Angeles Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Southern California Humane Society.