Book ~ BRAYS OF OUR LIVES

Book Melvin for an upcoming event

The guest everyone wants a photo with.

Melvin is a miniature burro and professional entertainer from South Whidbey Island. He mingles with your guests at weddings, parties, and events, posing for photos and soaking up the attention. He can also work as a beverage burro, carrying drinks through the crowd. Either way, your guests leave with a photo and a story they'll be telling for years. He is comfortable in many environments and enjoys being around well-behaved dogs, supervised children, and adults.

What Melvin brings to your event

Melvin's favorite job is simply visiting: wandering through your event, meeting guests, and collecting compliments.

Visits and photos. Guests can say hello, snuggle, and pose for pictures. This is what Melvin loves most.
Drinks on the move (optional). As a beverage burro, he can carry a pair of wicker baskets filled with drinks and stroll through the crowd.
A handler at his side. Melvin is always led by his handler, so he feels calm, safe, and approachable.

Dressed for the occasion. With advance notice, Melvin and his handler can dress to match your theme or event colors. If we need new garb for the occasion, we'll agree on a fee with you before we get started.

Rates

Melvin's 2027 introductory rate is $250 per hour, with a $300 minimum and a 3-hour maximum per event. A lot goes into bringing Melvin to you: grooming, packing, loading, and arriving fresh and ready to greet your guests! This preparation time is included at no extra cost.

Travel: for events north of Greenbank, travel time from Langley, WA is billed at $250 per hour. Events from Greenbank south have no travel charge.

Melvin's working rhythm

Melvin works in 30-minute rounds: 25 minutes with your guests, then a 5-minute rest in the shade. Happy burros make the best hosts, and these breaks keep him relaxed and friendly all event long.

Melvin arrives at least 20 minutes before your start time, at no extra cost, to get the lay of the land, get dressed, and begin right on time.

What your venue needs

Melvin arrives in a compact, 2-horse trailer and needs a home base at your event. Please plan for:

An outdoor staging area where he can rest between visiting rounds
Trailer parking at or near the staging area
Shade at the staging area, so his breaks are cool and comfortable

Melvin is happiest at outdoor and barnyard-style venues, where the occasional call of nature won't disrupt the vibes. He brings his own pitchfork and bucket to every event, so any surprises are cleaned up right away.

Planning for an indoor event or in a more formal space? Melvin can wear a bun bag with advance notice—just mention it when you book.

Melvin's experience

Melvin is 11 years old, and has loved people for all his life. He is based in Langley and serves South Whidbey, Coupeville, Oak Harbor and Bellingham. He obtained his business license and insurance in 2026, and his first gigs included Oktoberfest at Schweinhaus Biergarten; South Whidbey Pride Parade; a nonprofit Member Picnic; and downtown Trick-or-Treating with a gaggle of witches and warlocks.

Is love in the air? In 2027, he's hoping to work his first wedding!

Melvin at home

When he's not working events, Melvin is the volunteer mascot for Whidbey Environmental Action Network (WEAN). 10% of every booking supports WEAN's work.

Melvin makes his home at the Cosmic Ranch, a rural residence outside Langley where he shares a rainbow barn and a woodland paddock with Songbird the mule and Poppy the miniature horse; dogs Moon and Blue; cat Roger; and humans Marnie and Tim.

Melvin has been on a weight loss journey since joining the Cosmic Ranch family. He continues to eat a carefully balanced diet and work toward his ideal weight under veterinary guidance. He receives a semi-annual wellness exam and is in great health. Melvin loves snacks—but, for his safety, please only feed him treats provided by his handler.