I suppose every town has its claim to fame—some more widely recognized than others. Columbia (Nashville’s southerly neighbor by about 45 minutes) is proud to be known as the Mule Capital of the World. Although I was born in Nashville and spent my earliest years here, my parents moved us to Columbia when I was in elementary school to be closer to my grandmother. So, over the course of my childhood, I learned to proudly claim my Muletown heritage.
Every year, on a Saturday early in April, we participated in Mule Day in some form or fashion (several years back it changed from Mule Day to Mule Days and became a full weekend of mule-related events). People lined our small town’s streets to see mule-drawn wagons, decorated floats, pageant winners waving from convertibles, and many a horseback rider. One year I rode the Tennessee Walker I had taken riding lessons on, hoping the whole time that she would remain as calm amidst the sea of animals and crowds of people as she typically did in the open fields of the farm where I normally rode her. When I was in 3rd grade, my school entered a “Wish Upon a Star” float with each child dressing up as what they wanted to be when they grew up—decked out in a white nurse’s uniform and cap, I knew early on exactly what I wanted to be. 🙂
I’ve lived back in Nashville now for 20 years; a few years ago, I returned with my niece and nephew to see the parade, enjoying seeing their enjoyment of it. But this year I decided to go back to once again experience all things centered around mules. So, on a blue sky, sunny day, I went with a friend yesterday to Maury County Park, the hub for campers and horse trailers, and the headquarters for the mule races, pulling competitions, and riding shows, for live music, arts & crafts sales and for all types of food trucks and vendors offering a variety of fried and tasty fair foods.
Mule Day began in Columbia back in 1840 as a “Breeder’s Day” for mule breeders who met there to trade. It now draws in over 100,000 visitors from all across the country to enjoy the festivities. I’ll admit it was more a sense of nostalgia than a keen interest in the crossbreed of horse and donkey that made me want to go; but I’m learning that home always has a way of drawing you back and that time tends to grow an ever deepening appreciation for the uniqueness of the town that grew you.
ILoveAllYallNashville.com 
Took me back a bit, too!!
LikeLike