BAY MINETTE, Ala. — An athletic department fundraiser at Bay Minette Middle School will feature students, teachers, staff and business partners playing basketball, from the backs of donkeys at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Friday in the school gym.

The event's departure from the ordinary should draw spectators and funds for the school, according to David Powell of Bay Minette Middle School.

“The object of the game is to ride a donkey and shoot a basketball into the goal,” he said in an email interview. “The donkeys will move at their own pace, direction and stall during the game.”

The idea to bring back the game was Powell’s own idea.

“I decided because when I was in school, it was a great experience and fun for the faculty and fans,” he said, “one that had not been done in the area for many years, except in 2008 when we hosted a game.”

According to Powell, anything can happen at the event.

“They are quite fun, and there's just no telling,” he said.

Circle A Donkey Ranch owner Brenda Amburgey said watching the event is an experience.

“The donkeys will be stubborn,” she said in an email interview. “Some will try to buck off their riders, and others will refuse to go where the rider directs. The crowd will roll in their seats watching the antics of the riders and donkeys.”

The game consists of eight donkeys and riders, four on each team, Amburgey explained. Four, eight-minute quarters and a four-minute play off will decide the winner.

Powell said the morning game will have mainly Stapleton Elementary teachers playing, while the afternoon game will feature Baldwin County students, teachers and coaches.

But the event's intention is to raise funds. Amburgey and Powll said that 50 percent of ticket sales will go to the middle school's athletic department to upgrade athletic equipment and purchase uniforms.

In addition to the game, Friday’s fundraiser will include such activities as dollar races, spoon-egg races, musical donkeys, donkey diapering, where's the dress, tug of war, free-throw shooting, a half-court contest and a dance contest.

“We decided to do these events to involve the crowd and let them have fun as well,” Powell said.

Visitors can also expect an American flag ride to begin the event, door prizes, concessions and guest cheerleaders, Powell added.

Tickets are $6 in advance and $8 at the gate. BMMS is located at 1311 W. 13th. St. For more information, call (251) 580-2960.