Mule
Day, Columbia, Tennessee
Columbia, Tennessee
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Mule
Day
Columbia, Tennessee
There
are so many mules in one place on Mule Day that Columbia,
Tennessee, about 50 miles south of Nashville,
has long boasted the proud title, "Mule Capital of the World."
Columbia
developed into a crossroads for mule trading in the United States
in the 1840's. The street sales became nationally known, and
in 1934, Columbia's
"Market Day" in early April expanded into a
bona fide celebration complete
with a parade and special activities. The 1939 parade was advertised
to feature "1000 girls on 1000 mules"
and lived up to the billing. Mule Day took an intermission during
the war years, but was revived by the Maury County Bridle and
Saddle Club in 1974.
Reigning
over the annual parade is the Mule
Day Queen, chosen from a bevy
of local beauties, and the King
Mule, selected with a slightly different standard
of beauty in mind
but which rides in the parade complete with a crown.
In addition to the parade, other festivities include the Mule
Show, the Mule Sale, the
Mule Pulling Contest, the Western
Mule Rodeo, an arts and crafts
show, square dancing, and even, the Liar's Contest. Mule
Day is traditionally celebrated the first
weekend in April.
Mules,
the hybrid offspring of a jack
and a mare, come in
all sizes and all colors, and contrary to popular opinion,
are one of the most intelligent of animals. Extremely strong,
their value increases, when raised as matched
pairs to work together as teams.
Protect the future by investigating
the past. Support local arts and history programs, and don't forget to vote.
Thanks to Tennessee Dept. of Tourism and
Pauline Prosser
-CQ Mule Day, Post Card
