Mule Day – Southern Heritage Festival

www.MuleDaySouthernHeritageFestival.org

Ever wonder what a country fair would have been like 150 years ago? It would have lots to do for the kids, like pony rides, a petting zoo, panning for gold, and pumpkin decorating. The sheepdog demonstration would have been a big hit, especially when they herd the ducks over a little bridge. There would have been real food like fresh-squeezed lemonade, rib-eye sandwiches, and church groups with marvelous baked goods. So many vendors with hand-made items would entice you to buy their wares. The music would be a serenade as you strolled the grounds, seeing the sights and eating hand-churned ice cream…

This is what awaits visitors on the 38th annual Mule Days/Southern Heritage Festival at Callaway Plantation in Washington, Ga on Saturday, October 13 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The historic houses on site throw open their doors and welcome all to tour the one-of-a-kind step back in time. The Mule Show in the arena nearby gives ribbons for various classes of mules – a veritable Mule Beauty Contest. There’s even a chance to try your hand at plowing with a mule, which was the tractor or the past.

Many kinds of antique tractors are well represented, along with antique cars. A huge turpentine still made entirely of copper comes to visit that day also.

This year, a special show with highly trained mules will trot their skills in the afternoon. Even mini-mules will be in attendance, eager for a photo-op kiss. Joining the fun are a blacksmith, quilters, spinners, weavers, chair caner, pine needle basket maker, carpenter, a shingle roofing demo, a Jail Wagon, Chuck Wagon and a Tinker’s wagon. Don’t miss Old Doc Bell’s Tonic and Elixers that include authentic root beer, birch beer, cream soda and more (snake oil not included!).

The Hit String Band, a truly talented family playing bluegrass favorites, will be playing in one spot. The ring of the Classis City Dulcimers will echo in another area, and the duo Clay Babies will be strumming along as well.

Many of the vendors are craftspeople, too. Check out their unique, well-made art.
It’s a blast from the past – 150 years ago!