Mule Day facts for kids
Mule Day is a big yearly party that celebrates everything about mules! It happens in Columbia, Tennessee, which calls itself the "Mule Capital" of the world. This event started way back in 1840 as "Breeder's Day." It was a meeting for people who raised mules. Now, Mule Day lasts for four days and brings in over 200,000 visitors!
Besides seeing lots of mules, you can enjoy traditional Appalachian food, music, dancing, and cool crafts.
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History of Mule Day
Mule Day has been a popular event in Columbia for a very long time. It started in the 1840s, so it's been around for nearly 185 years!
How Mule Day Started
It began as "Breeder's Day," a one-day event. It was a livestock show and a market where people bought and sold mules. This event always took place on the first Monday in May. Over time, "Breeder's Day" grew from just one day into a huge festival. It now lasts almost a whole week!
Because Maury County was so important in the mule business, this event became very big. For a while, it was "one of the largest livestock markets in the world."
The First Mule Day Parade
In 1933, a man named Thomas Marion Brown had a great idea. He thought a Mule Day Parade and Celebration would help bring money to the community. He talked to W.D. Hastings from the Daily Herald newspaper and J.J. Johnson.
They worked together to make this event happen. They went to the Chamber of Commerce, and in 1934, the very first Mule Day Parade took place! Thomas Brown designed the special Mule Day Crown. You can see it on display at the Maury County Public Library. He was also the first Grand Marshal and led the parade for about seven years.
When Mule Day Was Cancelled
Mule Day 2020 was cancelled because of the Covid-19 Coronavirus. This was only the second time the celebration had been called off since the parade started in 1934. The first time was in 1942. That was shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor, which brought the United States into World War II.
Fun Events at Mule Day
Mule Day is packed with exciting activities for everyone! You can watch lively square dances and thrilling mule-driving contests. There are also impressive horse shows and fun crafts festivals. You can even find treasures at the flea markets.
Competitions and Stories
Other cool events include "working mule" competitions. Here, you can see how strong and skilled these animals are. There are also "best of breed" contests to show off the finest mules. You might even see lumberjack competitions!
Don't miss the Liar's Contest. This is a funny storytelling competition with a country theme. People tell tall tales, and it's always a good laugh!
Delicious Food
When you get hungry, there's plenty of yummy food to try. You can enjoy tasty barbecue, roasted corn, homemade pies, and sweet funnel cakes.
The Grand Parade
Since 1934, the biggest highlight of the festival has been the "Mule Day Parade." It happens on Saturday during the celebration. Different groups enter floats in the parade, and they compete for awards. Winners in each category get prizes like ribbons or money.
Each year, a special person is chosen to be the "Grand Marshal" of the parade. Some famous past Grand Marshals include:
- 1998: Pat Summitt, a famous basketball coach.
- 2000: Lynnette Cole, who was Miss USA.
- 2009: Phillip Fulmer, a well-known football coach.
- 2012: Guy Penrod, a popular gospel music singer.
Other Mule Day Celebrations
Mule Day isn't just celebrated in Columbia, Tennessee! Other places also have their own Mule Day (or Mule Days) events:
- Benson, North Carolina: This celebration started in 1950.
- Bishop Mule Days, Bishop, California: This one began in 1969.
- Calvary, Georgia: Their Mule Day started in 1973.
- Winfield, Alabama: This event began in 1975.
- Ider, Alabama: Their celebration started in 1987.
