Destinations

A festival for mules
Clark County Mule Festival, Kahoka

by Jim McCarty

Perhaps the best known symbol of Missouri is the mule. If you are one of a growing number of mule fans the place to go this month is Kahoka in Missouri’s most northeastern county.

On Sept. 18 and 19 Clark County will play host to as many as 10,000 mule lovers during the annual Clark County Mule Festival. With them will come hundreds of mules, including the sorrel mule on our cover and the baby at left which are owned by Becki Krueger of Medill.

The festival actually began when the Lewis and Clark Commerce Expedition formed in Lewis and Clark counties to market crafts. Putting crafts together with mules, the group hosted the first mule festival in 1986.

While crafts and a flea market are regular features of the festival, most people come to see the mules and the wild antics of those who love them.

Events at the mule festival leave spectators laughing. One event requires two people to climb on the back of a mule facing opposite directions. They then have to trade places without falling off. Mule polo, played with brooms and a giant beach ball, is another festival staple.

A trail ride, mule pulling, team penning and roping, costume contest and mule jumping are also among the events. Except for the rodeo, admission is free.

For more information contact Becki at (660) 727-3295 or Mike Schantz at (660) 866-2330. You can also log on to http://clarkcountymulefestival.tophonors.com

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