Mule Day 2022: The dates are set, and our fingers are crossed
Whenever I meet someone who has moved here from out of state, which happens almost on a weekly basis, one of the questions they ask is, "What is this Mule Day thing?"
It's become somewhat of a mystery to those who have not only moved here in the last year, but over the last three years, mainly because we haven't had one. As much as you try to describe Mule Day to them, whether it's the park festivities, the wagon train, the Saturday parade or events like the popular Liar's Contest, it's not the same as actually being there to experience it.
This past week, I was wondering about plans for Mule Day in 2022 amid the ongoing reports about rises in COVID-19 cases in the county. And I am really happy to see that this year's dates for Mule Day have been set for March 28-April 3.
The fact that Mule Day organizers are moving forward with their plans gives me hope and comfort that Columbia's flagship event will return after a two-year hiatus.
Bringing back Mule Day, I predict, will likely be one of the biggest events we've had in years. Part of it is the anticipation after being without it, but also how much the city has grown just in the last few years, despite the COVID setbacks.
That's what's always been the most interesting part about living in Columbia for me, that every year there are more fun and exciting things that weren't there before. Whether it is a flock of new businesses to visit, new music venues or how more people have chosen to make Columbia their home.
My first couple of Mule Days were, more or less, the traditional kind where most of the action was focused on Maury County Park and the annual parade. It soon grew from the park events to the downtown district, which probably started around the time First Fridays became a thing.
Now, we have a city ordinance that allows beer at Riverwalk Park. So there could be an opportunity to host something cool there like a big concert or a food truck festival, just to name a few examples.
By incorporating more areas of the city, Mule Day will not only grow, but target a much larger demographic, which is always a good thing.
Lots of people have been moving here from out of town and have yet to experience their first Mule Day. With it being canceled the last few years, there's a level of anticipation that wasn't there before. This also goes for locals who've been missing it as well.
That, to me, is exciting and a reason to hope for the best that this year's Mule Day can be pulled off without any issues and is poised to be the biggest one yet.
All we can do at the moment is be grateful that the plans, as of now, appear to be moving forward.
Jay Powell is a reporter for The Daily Herald. Contact him at jpowell@c-dh.net or follow him on Twitter @JayPowellCDH.
This article originally appeared on The Daily Herald: Mule Day 2022: the dates are set, but will it happen?
