COLUMBIA — It started as a simple show for the Maury County Bridle & Saddle Club in the 1960’s and has evolved into a week-long event that brings over 200,000 people into downtown Columbia, the Mule Capital of the world. Mule Days kicks off on Thursday and extends through Sunday of this week.

The now famous event began from simple roots. Members of the Bridle & Saddle Club wanted to raise a little money, so they could give back to the community. The event now brings an estimated $10 million dollars into the community as people from around the state flock there each spring.

Thursday’s events kick off with a Craft Fair, Old Fashioned Log Pulling Competition, Dog Show, Feed Time Race, Jackpot Mule Races, the Miss Mule Day Pageant, Mule and Donkey Sorting, and a Bluegrass Music Fest at nearby Columbia Central High School.

On Friday, the events will continue with Ham & White Bean Plates, a Driving Mule Show, State Auctioneer Contest, Cart Barrel Races, Gaited Mule Show, live music by Tony Malugin, line dancing, and a Liar’s Contest Mule Tales.

On Saturday, the Mule Kick 5K kicks off the day followed by the Mule Day Parade, Mule Pulling Contest, Skinnington Draft Mule Show, and a performance by the Urban Cowboy, Line Dancing & Mule Town Stompers.

The event concludes on Sunday with a 9 a.m. worship service on the grounds followed by the Riding Mule Show, and Mini Mule Show.

To see a complete schedule of events, click here.

Admission Thursday through Saturday costs $10 per person and Sunday’s ticket is just $5. There will be plenty of food concession and live music. Maury County Park is located at 1018 Maury County Park Drive in Columbia – about an hour and a half from Lynchburg. To learn more, visit the event’s website. •

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