Missouri’s Mule Tradition Celebrated at Clark County Festival

Missouri’s history with mules is extensive. The mule is the official Missouri state animal. The animals were very important when it came to westward expansion, working on farms, in mines and also working in the military. As beasts of burden they are exceptional. There was a time when Missouri was the main producer of mules in the nation. That tradition gets celebrated in Clark County, Missouri September 18, 19, and 20.

Missouri Mules take center stage in Kahoka, MO.

Clark County Mule fest - Canva/Getty images

The Clark County fairgrounds in Kahoka hosts the 39^th annual Mule Festival. There are many events to behold, mainly mule focused, but also including a full-on rodeo with bull riding, roping and racing, a craft and flea market plus local food vendors.

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The mule show features many events, including: Pantyhose race, Monkey in a tree, Bat-n-Barrel, Egg & Spoon, and others. All mules, all mule skills. Most of these events are longtime fan favorites.

There are also mule events aside from the show including a mule parade, a mule pull, where a team of mules pulls increasing amounts of weight. There are also mule jumps --that seems pretty self-explanatory. Embrace and experience the tradition of Missouri mules. Things get started Thursday, September18th at 4p and continue through Saturday night’s rodeo.

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Gallery Credit: Stephen Lenz