Documentary features pack burro racing

Cinema at the State presents 'Haulin' Ass' at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 22, at ARD's Canyon View Community Center, 471 Maidu Drive, in Auburn. Haulin' Ass documents one of the most challenging yet least recognized sports in modern culture: pack burro racing. Relatively unknown outside of its participants and towns hosting races, the sport began in 1949. Celebrating miners and their faithful companions, burros, the sport is growing in popularity and attracts visitors to former mining towns. The rules of burro racing are simple: One person is partnered with one burro to run races over marathon distances into the Colorado mountains, surpassing altitudes of more than 13,000 feet. The person may not ride the animal. Instead, they must run alongside and try to develop a partnership with one of the most notoriously stubborn creatures on the planet. World champion Hal Walter, who is featured in the film, describes it as "a combination of long-distance running, mountaineering and equine handling skills. ... Plus, runners must learn to leave their athletic egos up to the whims of a jackass." Sponsored by Auburn's Two Ass Brewing Company, the film features Curtis Imrie, an old-time burro racer driven by a passion for the sport and the community; Roger Pedretti, who travels from Wisconsin to carry the torch of family legacy; and the aforementioned Hal Walter, who has a true talent for the sport. Over the course of the documentary, we bear witness to their quests to take the Triple Crown while overcoming their own mental and physical obstacles. Following the film is a Q&A session with Filmmaker Trevor Velin; Matt Scribner, local farrier and pack burro racer; and Jenifer Rishel, founder and manager of NorCal Pack Burros. The fun doesn't stop there. On Saturday, Aug. 23, at 9 a.m., you can join up for a burro training run in Cool. See details at AuburnStateTheatre.org under the Haulin' Ass listing. Starting at 12:30 p.m., head over to Two Ass Brewing Company at 140 Hoffman Ave. in Auburn to enjoy lunch from the Pancho Villa BBQ truck and the launch of Two Asses' "Haulin' Ass Northern IPA," created in honor of this two-day event Admission is $12 for adults and $10 for seniors and kids under 12 (including $2 fee). Doors open at 6 p.m. Purchase tickets at AuburnStateTheatre.org or 530-885-0156.