Annual Mule Day

Image by Conley's Horse Photos

Annual Mule Day is held the last weekend in March. "Mule Day" in Columbia, Tennessee 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 visit 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.