|
time
there were five mule barns in operation in downtown Cullman. Livestock,
harness, machinery and other related goods were bought, sold and traded
at these establishments.
Mr.
John Creel shared with me the story of his first pair of mules. He
bought the pair of young black mare mules for $250.00 in 1947 at the
Kinney Mule Barn in Cullman. He reported making eight crops with them
before trading them for another pair. Times have surely changed. We in
the Cullman County Draft Horse and Mule Club strive to prevent the
changing times from completely obliterating the traditional usage of
work stock.
The
Cullman County Draft Horse and Mule Club was originally formed in the
late 1980s and hosted several Mule Days prior to its dissolving in the
early 1990s. In October 2004 interest and enthusiasm in mules and draft
horses had once again peaked. A handful of dedicated individuals, some
original club members and some newcomers, reorganized the club and began
to plan Mule Day 2005. After six months of hard work the parade and show
went off without a hitch. We had participants from as far away as
Kentucky and Mississippi.
Since
the May 2005 show we have taken lessons learned, good advice, and lots
more of that good ole hard work and put together what we anticipate to
be a bigger and better Mule Days event than ever before. Cullman
continues to lead Alabama in agriculture and we are proud to celebrate
and observe the true roots from which it came.
This
year’s events include a week-long mule wagon train from Crossville to
Cullman from Monday, May 1st through Friday, May 5th, as well as the
Mule Days Queen Pageant and a free fun show Friday night, starting at 5
p.m., at the Cullman Ag/Trade Center. Saturday, May 6th, there will be a
parade through downtown Cullman, starting at 10 a.m., with line-up at 9
a.m. A wagon and buggy show, antique farm machinery demonstration, mule
and draft horse show and mule pull will follow the parade at the
Ag/Trade Center. The show will start at 12 noon. Admission to the show
will be $5 for adults, children 12 and under will be admitted free.
Proceeds from the event are donated to the American Red Cross and Key
Club of Cullman County. Vendors and concessions will be available at
Saturday’s events.
The
Cullman County Draft Horse and Mule Club would like to invite everyone
to come enjoy the family centered, fun-filled festivities. Come see the
old time ways meet modern technology, with the mule being the tie that
binds them.
For
more information, visit our web page: cullmanmuledays.com
or contact Jeff Still at (256) 739-5985; for show information, Carlos
Wilhite at (256) 734-0515 and for Mule Train information, David Currey
at (256) 878-5168. |
