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Mules line up to be judged at Mule Day

Mule Day, an annual celebration of all things related to mules, is held in Columbia, Tennessee, the self-proclaimed "Mule Capital" of the world. Begun in 1840 as a meeting for breeders, it now attracts 300,000 people and takes place over four days, centering on the Mule Day Parade, which started in 1934. In addition to mules, traditional Appalachian food, music, dancing, and crafts are featured.

Mule Day gained notoriety in 2006 when it was revealed that the Mule Day Parade was listed in the National Asset Database, a Department of Homeland Security list of terrorism targets.

"Mule Day" in Columbia has been a tradition since around 1840, when the first Monday in April brought huge crowds to the animal livestock show and Mule Day Market (originally called 'Breeder's Day'). Mules were such a big business in Maury County, that at one time, the Columbia Mule Day had the distinction of being one of the largest livestock markets in the world.

Mule Day, with its festive air eventually evolved into what is now an almost week-long celebration of the mule. Thousands of visitors come to Columbia to take part in the numerous activities ranging from working mule and best of breed events, to horse shows, arts and crafts booths, and a flea market. The smell of barbecue specialties and homemade pies blends with the smoky aroma of roasted corn and funnel cake sweetness.

The highlight of the Mule Day festivities is the Mule Day Parade. The Parade is held on Saturday; entries are judged and cash prizes and ribbons are awarded in several categories.

Also included on the itinerary for Parade day is a contest for the Mule Day Queen. The competition is for contestants age 18 and under. The winner is selected based on an essay and other criteria.

Other Mule Day celebrations in the United States

There are also Mule Day celebrations in various other towns:

Benson, North Carolina, begun in 1950, which attracts more than 50,000 people.
Calvary, Georgia, begun in 1973, which attracts 60,000 to 90,000 people.
Winfield, Alabama, begun in 1981
Ider, Alabama
Bishop, California, begun in 1969, which attracts over 30,000 people.

External links

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 "Mule Day" in Columbia has been a tradition since around 1840, when the first Monday in April brought huge crowds to the animal livestock show and Mule Day Market (originally called 'Breeder's Day'). Mules were such a big business in [[Maury County, Tennessee|Maury County]], that at one time, the Columbia Mule Day had the distinction of being one of the largest livestock markets in the world.
-Mule Day, with its festive air eventually evolved into what is now an almost week-long celebration of the mule. Thousands of visitors come to Columbia to take part in the numerous activities ranging from working mule and best of breed events, to horse shows, arts and crafts booths, and a [[flea market]]. The smell of [[barbecue]] specialties and homemade pies blends with the smoky aroma of roasted corn and [[funnel cake]] sweetness. Other aromas include hillbilly sweat and festering mule dung.
+Mule Day, with its festive air eventually evolved into what is now an almost week-long celebration of the mule. Thousands of visitors come to Columbia to take part in the numerous activities ranging from working mule and best of breed events, to horse shows, arts and crafts booths, and a [[flea market]]. The smell of [[barbecue]] specialties and homemade pies blends with the smoky aroma of roasted corn and [[funnel cake]] sweetness.
 The highlight of the Mule Day festivities is the Mule Day Parade. The Parade is held on Saturday; entries are judged and cash prizes and ribbons are awarded in several categories.