In less than two weeks, Columbia will transform into a town of horse and mule-drawn wagons, festive events and everything wrapped up in the city’s biggest tradition — Mule Day 2023.

The city will kick off this year’s Mule Day by welcoming the traditional Mule Wagon Train as it descends upon Maury County Park, once again, the site for the festival’s main events and attractions. And that’s just the beginning of a week-long celebration of Columbia’s historic past of being a statewide and national leader in the mule trade, as well as being a valued region for agriculture and farming.

Though Mule Day’s traditions date back to the 1800s, its current iteration overseen by the Bridle and Saddle Club and the Mule Day Committee first began with its revival in 1974.

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This year’s main Mule Day events will take place from March 27-April 3, returning for the second time since cancelling twice due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021. Organizers say last year’s official return was one of the most-attended in the festival’s long-celebrated history and expect this year to be even bigger and better.

“The years ’20 and ’21, we just absolutely did not know what to do with ourselves,” Louise Mills, who oversees Mule Day’s public relations, said. “Last year, we didn’t know how it was going to work out, but it turned out fabulous. Everyone was happy to be here after being housed up for two years without a Mule Day.”

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Perhaps the most-attended Mule Day event each year is the annual Mule Day Parade, which will once again kick off Saturday in downtown Columbia.

This year’s featured Grand Marshal will be “American Picker” creator, co-star and all-around historian Mike Wolfe.

Mills, who is approaching her 40th year with the Bridle and Saddle Club and 20th year with the Mule Day Office, is also being given the title of honorary grand marshal, which she is excited about participating.

“I will have my own float in the parade,” Mills said.

The full schedule of Mule Day 2023 events can be found online at www.MuleDay.com or contact the Mule Day Office at (931) 381-9557.

Mule Day means ‘astronomical’ economic impact

One thing Columbia can often count on with a large Mule Day crowd is how the event serves as a massive economic generator for the city.

In fact, the last two years of data recorded as part of a 2018-2019 economic impact study (pre-pandemic) showed nearly double the money generated over a year’s time. This included approximately $1.595 million overall economic impact in 2018 and $3.056 million in 2019.

“I’m sure last year was even greater,” Mills said. “So, this year it has got to be astronomical.”

The 2019 numbers also reflected $905,000 in hotel stays, which means more money generated to the city’s hotel/motel tax to fund tourism projects. More than $920,000 was also generated through local restaurants and food establishments. The 2019 study also states that 98% of out-of-town attendees were likely to return the following year.

The data also estimated a giant boost in attendance, with approximately 14,000 recorded in 2018 and 100,000 people in 2019.

New events meet the old traditionals

Mule Day features multiple days of events, competitions and entertainment for all ages, as well as an opportunity to explore the city’s popular business districts.

This year will feature many of the old favorites, such as the Liar’s Contest, lots of mini mules, log pulling and more.

One new event Mule Day organizers are excited to see in 2023 also happens to be one of its newest events, and one that involves our favorite fur babies as part of the Mule Day Dog Show in the old arena. Contestants are asked to bring a bag of dog food to donate to the Maury County Animal Shelter, which will serve as the entry fee.

“It’s just a fun dog show,” Mule Day Office manager Rebecca Gilbert said. “We did it last year and it was fun. We’re hoping it will be a lot bigger this year, because we have so much fun watching all of the puppies.”

See some of these cute pups in action following the Dog Show as part of the Border Collie Herding Demonstration at 2 p.m.

This year will also features the “Mule Man” Award, which Mills said “is someone who has shown a deep dedication and love for Mule Day throughout the years.”

Mule Man Terry Thompson honored

The honoree this year is Terry Thompson of Athens, Alabama, who purchased his first mule in 1990 and began riding in the annual Wagon Train in 1999. Thompson has since participated in multiple competitions and events over the years, this year taking part in timed events.

Main events will officially kick off Thursday, March 30.

For the little ones, the Little Miss Mule competition is another new event this year starting at 3 p.m. Thursday.

Each evening will feature live entertainment ranging from bluegrass music at Central High School on Thursday to live music at the Ridley 4-H Center on Friday. Bluegrass, line dancing and The Mule Town Stompers will be featured at the 4-H Center Saturday, with gospel music closing out the week Sunday afternoon on the Main Stage at Maury County Park.

Perhaps the most exciting event for many attendees is reconnecting with old friends, meeting newcomers and creating new memories that will last until it’s time to pack up and start preparing for next year.

“I personally enjoy seeing the people that come back year after year, many of them by now know me by name,” Mills said. “It’s fun for me to renew old acquaintances, to see those people that really come to Maury County to enjoy Mule Day.”