2009, October 10, 29th Mule Day Big Success With New Events

Mule Day festival big success with more mules, more locals

Old engines and tractors, as well as shady picnic tables, were a big attraction at Mule Day.
Saturday's 29th annual Mule Day Southern Heritage Festival was a big success, organizers say, with more mules, more local participants, and more exhibitors than in years past.

"People have been stopping me all day and saying how much they enjoyed Mule Day this year," organizer Carol Cartledge said. "I was very pleased at how many local participants we had, and at how many people came out to enjoy the events."

Along with the mules, the event showcased some 45 primitive craft demonstrators and 55 vendors, Tourism Director Ashley Barnett said. "Carol Cartledge did a great job and worked so hard at chairing the event this year," she said. "With about 2,000 people in attendance, we are so thankful to those who came out for the event. We had so many travel from all over to attend Mule day from Tennessee, South Carolina, west and south Georgia, North Carolina, and so many other places."

In the day's mule events, Smith Wilson's 13-year-old Belgian mule Kit took Grand Champion in Singles, and Kit, paired with the blond Belgian mule Bird, took the Grand Champion trophy in Pairs. In awarding the trophies, Judge Jack Logan of Eatonton said that Kit and Bird were "the finest pair of mules in the state."

"We had an outstanding selection of mules to compete," said James Callaway. "I'm very pleased at the turnout."

Adding to the historic feel of the day were the Confederate encampment complete with regular cannon fire, and some 40 costumed docents from the United Daughters of the Confederacy. "David and Debra Denard really added a great historic touch to the day bringing to life the period of the War Between the States," Cartledge said.

Displays of antique tractors and old traction engines were popular, too, along with several antique and classic autos. Old-time craft demonstrators showed visitors how their ancestors made soap, made chairs, and a dozen other primitive crafts. "Thank you to Ricky Callaway for his leadership on bringing back the antique machinery and tractors," Barnett said, "and thank you to Tammy Bryngelson for lining up First United Methodist Church for the children's games. The kids had a great time with all the games."

It took a community effort of dozens of local citizens to pull it off, Barnett said. "Mule Day is one of the great events that Washington- Wilkes has, and we are so thankful to all those who made it possible."
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2009, October 10, 29th Mule Day Will Have New Events

Saturday's Mule Day will see two new mule events

There's something about mules that kids really love, and much of Saturday's Mule Day will be aimed at entertaining, informing, and amazing children.
New mule events including a mule pull and a mule race are expected to add to the fun Saturday at the 29th annual Mule Day Southern Heritage Festival.

The event will open at 10 a.m. Saturday and run to 4 p.m. at Callaway Plantation on Highway 78, rain or shine. Admission is $5 a carload.

"We should have quite a few more mules than in years past," said mule czar James Callaway, "including three of my own. We have a specially made pulling sled for mules, so we'll have a mule pulling event, and we're going to have a mule race in the arena if we have enough entrants."

"We really feel we've returned to the Mule Day of old when it was so popular," said Carol Cartledge, who is organizing the event for the Washington-Wilkes Chamber of Commerce. "With the return of Ricky Callaway's wonderful old tractors and equipment, and all the mules and mule events arranged by James Callaway, everybody says we'll see a real return to the way Mule Days were in the past."

More than ever before, she said, visitors can see primitive craft demonstrations including apple coring and peeling, blacksmithing, butter churning, candle making, chair caning, hand corn shelling, tomahawk throwing, hand spinning, log hewing, rope making, plowing, quilting, soap making, sorghum syrup making, weaving, and wood shake making.

"You'll be able to participate in select primitive demonstrations," she said. "And docents led by Debra Denard will be giving tours of the homes of Callaway Plantation, and four camps of Sons of Confederate Veterans will be on hand, too."

There will be displays of antique engines, tractors, cars, chainsaws, hand tools, muzzle-loading rifles, and Native American arrowheads. There will be a sawmill, a shingle mill, a grist mill, and a tar still.

"In addition to our mule events, we'll have a pumpkin patch, hayrides, storytelling, historic home tours, arts and crafts, and delicious food," she said. "And as always, we'll have Mule Day t-shirts for sale."

Weather permitting, the Young Eagles and the Washington Kiwanis Club will sponsor free airplane rides for children at the Washington- Wilkes Airport. The day's children's activities are sponsored by First United Methodist Church of Washington. "For entertainment, we'll have Sylvia Walker of Rayle and the Southern Influence Band," she said.

There will be programs and lectures on honey and beekeeping, sheepdog herding, and turkey calling.

Wilkes CountyTourism Director Ashley Barnett said that the Mule Day festival is the work of many hands. "Mule Day would not be possible but by the help of so many people, including the Boy Scouts of Troop 33, Hubert Bailey, Keith Bailey, Shari Bryson, James Callaway, Ricky Callaway, the City of Washington, the DAR, David and Deborah Denard, Tanya Fair, Mark Davis, Kathy Dinnewith, Mike Dyches, Lewis Hall, Geoffrey Hill, Mary Lodwick, Louise McClearen, Tim Miller, Jeff Murphy, G.B. Newsome, the Washington Rotary Club, David Russell, the SAR, Lois Soerster, David Vanhart, Tyler Verdery, and Billy Walker. This is a real community event, and I hope everyone comes out to enjoy it!"
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2008, October 11, 28th Mule Day Was Big Success

Mule Day is big success
More than 2,500 visitors, including one-year-old Brady Hammatt, attended the 28th annual Mule Day Southern Heritage Festival Saturday, Washington Wilkes Chamber of Commerce Director Ashley Barnett said. As in years past, Barnett said, local and visitors alike filled the Callaway Plantation to step back in time to Georgia's pioneer days, enjoying the products of primitive craftsmen and demonstrations of old-time skills."We had a wonderful turnout," Barnett said. "I want to thank all the sponsors, volunteers and participants who worked so hard to make it happen again this year."

2008, October 11, 28th Mule Day Will be Bigger than Ever

Mule Day this Sat. at Callaway will be bigger than ever

News- Satur day' s Mu le Day Sou thern Heritage Festival will be bigger, with more activities and fun things to do this year, said Chamber of Commerce Director Ashley Barnett. "There's going to be music and food, primitive crafts, and lots of fun for kids, and it's only $6 for a whole carload to get in."

The 28th annual Mule Day Southern Heritage Festival will be held all day Saturday, October 11. As in years past, Barnett said, local families and visitors alike will come to Callaway Plantation on Highway 78 and step back in time, back to the days of mule plowing and other pioneer skills, surrounded by primitive craftsmen and young ladies in antebellum dresses. "And again the admission is only $6 a carload," Barnett said.

Early in the day, from 10 a.m. to noon, News - mule o wner s fr om al l ov er the southeast will be bringing their best mules to show, compete, and demonstrate plowing and mule-drawn equipment. Anyone with draft mules or cotton mules is invited to come to Mule Day and participate in the contests, mule wrangler Ed Pope III said.

Visitors may get to try their hand at plowing behind a mule, but Pope reminds visitors that the mule events start early and are expected to be complete by noon.

Young people, too, can take part in Young Eagle flights across the road at the Washington-Wilkes Airport.

To draw more people to shop in Washington, Barnett said, participating Washington merchants are offering a 10 percent discount for those with a Mule Day wristband.

Children can participate in plowing with a mule and enjoy a petting zoo, a kiddy train, and special games. Hubert Bailey's sheepdogs will give their herding demonstrations, and volunteers will demonstrate pioneer skills such as bow-making, tar distillation, and blacksmithing.

For adults, there will be dozens of arts and crafts vendors, numerous food vendors, a horseshoe tournament, music, and more. "We have a great number of crafts vendors coming," Barnett said.

As always, there will be the sound of music at the bandstand. "We've got 'Waitin' for Parts,' a bluegrass gospel group from Elberton, playing 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.," Barnett said. "And Billy Maxwell will be performing too."

Visitors can tour several buildings on the plantation, including the 1869 Greek Revival brick house, the 1790 two-story Federal Plainstyle house, and the 1785 one-room rough-hewn log cabin. Volunteers will be demonstrating old-time skills such as weaving, spinning, quilting, and ropemaking in or near the homes.

In addition to the kids' activities at Callaway, Washington-Wilkes Airport operator Chris Hughes says pilot Keith Donker will return and give "Young Eagles" plane flights to children and youth ages 8 to 17 at the airport. "We really like to introduce kids to aviation, to spark their interest in flying," he said.

The flights will be available starting at 10 a.m. at the airport.
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2007, October 13, Perfect Fall Weather for 27th Mule Day

Perfect fall weather brings big local Mule Day turnout

Six-year-old Brook Aiken of Winterville shows no fear as she climbs the rock wall at Saturday's Mule Day Southern Heritage Festival. Beautiful weather brought out large crowds for the annual event.
Perfect October weather and a low admission fee brought some 4,000 mule fans to the 27th annual Mule Day Southern Heritage Festival all day Saturday.

"We had had a great turnout - lots more local families this year," said Chamber of Commerce President Blake Thompson. "People said they appreciated the lower price, and we finally had good weather."

Thompson said he appreciated the participation of Chamber of Commerce board members, local volunteers, and local businesses to make the annual event a success. "It takes a lot of volunteer effort to make this happen, and we appreciate everybody's help."

By actual count of armbands passed out at the entrance, he said, almost 4,000 paying customers attended from Wilkes County and from all over. From early Saturday, crowds enjoyed the day of mule events, old-fashioned skills, food, games, and music at Callaway Plantation.


Miss Wilkes County Gracen Ware performed her officialduties at Mule Day, handing out the Grand Champion trophy to Ronnie Wiley showing Kate and Pat for owner Joe Milligan.
More than 60 young people took part in the Young Eagle flights across the road at Washington-Wilkes County Airport throughout the day. "We had a great turnout," said Washington-Wilkes airport operator Chris Hughes. "We had so many kids want a ride we had to stop the line at 3 p.m., and we flewtil after 5."

For the main event, Ed Pope III said, some 21 mules and their proud owners came out to show their animals under the leadership of Ellen Day with John Mobley of Union Point returning to judge.

In the Draft Mule category, perennial favorite David Ayers of Homer, Ga. took Grand Champion in Single Mule at Halter showing Kate.

In Pair Mules at Halter, Joe Milligan of Monroe took Grand Champion with Ronnie Wiley showing Kate and Pat.

In Cotton Mules, in Single Mule at Halter, young Benjamin Scoggins of Madison took Grand Champion with his mule James Dumas. Wilkes County mule owner James Callaway took first place in Single Cotton Mule at Halter over 2 years with Blackie.

Joe Milligan won both hitch events driving Kate and Pat, and Benjamin Scoggins took first in the saddle event with his mule Julie.

In the under-15 Showmanship Class, Benjamin Scoggins, 13, of Madison took first place showing his mule James Dumas, and Mikala Pearson, 11, and Gerad Pearson, 8, of Royston, took second and third.

The crowds also enjoyed the First Annual Callaway Cup team horseshoe tournament led by Chamber Board member Casey Jackson. In the afternoon competition, the team of David Roberts and Bill Moseley took the Callaway Cup, with the team of Casey Jackson and William Johnson taking second. Jim Baston and Greg Clay took third.

The Mule Day crowds enjoyed some 41 craft and gift vendors and 16 food vendors, and the vendors were very happy with the crowds, Thompson said.

The Chamber board is already meeting to try to improve for next year. "I've seen more Wilkes County folks here this year than in years," Thompson said. "That's a good sign, and we're going to try to see if we can't improve local participation by making admission free next year, if the board agrees."
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2007, October 13, 27th Mule Day Promises Perfect Weather

Mule Day this weekend promises perfect weather

Young and old alike will enjoy the adventure of old time mule power at Saturday's Mule Day Southern Heritage Festival at Callaway Plantation.
There will be lots of old-time mule action Saturday at Mule Day, says Muleologist Ed Pope III, but you need to come early for the mule competition.

"They like to compete early while the mules are still all pretty," he said. "Then just after lunch, you can try your hand at plowing behind a mule."

The cool fall weather should bring out a lot of mules, he said. "The weather will be perfect for our mules and mule owners."

The good weather should bring the best crowds in years to the 27th annual Mule Day Southern Heritage Festival all day Saturday. As in years past, local families and visitors from all over the area will step back in time to the days of mule plowing and other old-fashioned skills at Callaway Plantation on the Athens Highway.

Young people, too, can take part in Young Eagle flights across the road at Washington-Wilkes County Airport.

This year's Mule Day events will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and for the first time admission will only be $5 a carload, rather than $5 a person.

"We really want local folks to come out," said Tourism Director Ashley Barnett, "so we're lowering the price of admission to just $5 a carload. Mule Day will be bigger, with more activities and fun things to do this year, and we want local folks to come back out."

Local folks are expected to enjoy the return of two competitions.

The First Annual Harvest Competition and Cakewalk, put on by Chamber Board member Sherry Hudson, will see which local church members' pie, cakes, jams and preserves, pickles and relish are the best in the county.

Chamber Board member Casey Jackson will lead the First Annual Callaway Cup team horseshoe tournament, and more.

To draw more people to shop in Washington, she said, participating Washington merchants are offering a 10 percent discount for those with a Mule Day wristband.

Children can participate in plowing with a mule and enjoy a petting zoo, a kiddy train, and many special games.

Hubert Bailey's sheepdogs will give their herding demonstrations, and people can guess the weight of a mule for a $100 savings bond.

For adults, there will be dozens of arts and crafts vendors, gift and specialty booths.

More than a dozen food vendors will offer everything from bar-beque and sausage dogs to funnel cakes and fried Twinkies. Champion chef Joe Barnett will offer his award-winning Low-Country Boil as a fund-raiser for Georgia TASC.

As always, visitors can tour several buildings on the plantation, including the 1869 Greek Revival brick house, the 1790 two-story Federal Plainstyle house, and the 1785 one-room rough-hewn log cabin.

Volunteers will be demonstrating old-time skills such as weaving, rope-making, shingle-making and blacksmithing in the homes. Volunteer demonstrators will make sorghum, syrup, and arrowheads.

In addition to the kids' activities at Callaway, Chris Hughes, Washington Wilkes airport operator, has arranged for at least one pilot, Keith Donker of Evans, to give "Young Eagles" plane flights to children and youth ages 8 to 17 at the airport.

"We're hoping for more than one plane to give rides," Hughes said, "if Keith can get some fellow pilots to come. We really like to introduce kids to aviation, to spark their interest in flying."

Last year Donker gave some 50 kids their first taste of flying, and will return for flights Saturday starting at 10 a.m.

Back on the ground, mule owners will be bringing their best mules to demonstrate plowing and other mule drawn equipment early on Saturday. Anyone with draft mules or cotton mules is invited to come to Mule Day and participate in the contests, Pope said.

Visitors may even get to try their hand at plowing behind a mule, but Pope reminds visitors that the mule events start early and have often been complete by early afternoon.

For family researchers and Cal- laway kin, genealogist and family historian Samuel Taylor Geer will be signing copies of his new book, "Callaways of Western Wilkes County, Georgia: Ancestors, Descendants and Allied Families of John and Bethany Arnold Callaway." Released last month by Gateway Press, the book highlights one of the earliest branches of the Callaway family to come to Wilkes County.

"It's going to be lots of fun for the whole family," said new Chamber of Commerce President Blake Thomson. "Everybody come on out and enjoy Mule Day like we used to, for fivebucks a carload."

For more information, call the Chamber at 706-678-2013.
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2007, October 13, 27th Mule Day Southern Heritage Fest

Mule Day Southern Heritage fest expects great weather, big crowd
"We're calling for perfect weather and lots of fun for the whole family," said new Chamber of Commerce President Blake Thompson. "Everybody come on out and enjoy Mule Day like we used to."

The promised weather should bring crowds to the 27th annual Mule Day Southern Heritage Festival all day Saturday, October 13. As in years past, local families and visitors from all over the area will step back in time to the days of mule plowing and other old-fashioned skills at the Callaway Plantation.

Young people, too, can take part in Young Eagle flights across the road at Washington-Wilkes County Airport.

This year's Mule Day events will be held from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and for the first time admission will only be $5 a carload, rather than $5 a person.

"We really want local folks to come out," said Tourism Director Ashley Barnett, "so we're lowering the price of admission to just $5 a carload. Mule Day will be bigger, with more activities and fun things to do this year, and we want local folks to come back out."

To draw more people to shop in Washington, she said, participating Washington merchants are offering a 10 percent discount for those with a Mule Day wristband.

Children can participate in plowing with a mule and enjoy a petting zoo, a kiddy train, and special games.

For adults, there will be arts and crafts vendors, numerous food vendors, a horseshoe tournament, and more.

Visitors can tour several buildings on the plantation, including the 1869 Greek Revival brick house, the 1790 two-story Federal Plainstyle house, and the 1785 one-room rough-hewn log cabin. Volunteers will be demonstrating old-time skills such as weaving, rope-making, and blacksmithing in the homes.

In addition to the kids' activities at Callaway, Chris Hughes, Washington Wilkes airport operator, has arranged for at least one pilot, Keith Donker of Evans, to give "Young Eagles" plane flights to children and youth ages 8 to 17 at the airport.

"We're hoping for more than one plane to give rides," Hughes said, "if Keith can get some fellow pilots to come. We really like to introduce kids to aviation, to spark their interest in flying."

Last year Donker gave some 50 kids their first taste of flying, and will return for flights Saturday start- ing at 10 a.m.

Back on the ground, mule owners will be bringing their best mules to demonstrate plowing and other mule drawn equipment early on Saturday. Anyone with draft mules or cotton mules is invited to come to Mule Day and participate in the contests, mulemeister Ed Pope III said.

Visitors may even get to try their hand at plowing behind a mule, but Pope reminds visitors that the mule events start early and have often been complete by early afternoon.

For family researchers and Callaway kin, genealogist and family historian Samuel Taylor Geer will be signing copies of his new book, "Callaways of Western Wilkes County, Georgia: Ancestors, Descendants and Allied Families of John and Bethany Arnold Callaway." Released last month by Gateway Press, the book highlights one of the earliest branches of the Callaway family to come to Wilkes County.

For more information, call the Chamber at 706-678-2013.
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2006, October 13-14, 26th Mule Day a Success

Beautiful weather brings crowds to two festivals as Mule Days, Rayle Ramble fill fine fall weekend


First and second place winners in the Mule Day pie eating contest were Ryan Thomas (left), of Washington, and Katie Pilgrim, of Auburn, Georgia. In all, about 20 entrants consumed pies of various flavors in a matter of minutes to the delight of onlookers and many a sweet tooth. Blake Wilkey (not pictured) of Lexington took third place.
More than 4,000 folks from near and far flocked to two Wilkes County celebrations this weekend, enjoying that old state-fair feeling in perfect October weather.

And a few dozen lucky kids got a surprise airplane ride.

Mule Days at Callaway Plantation, the twenty-sixth annual celebration of times gone by, started Friday afternoon, with all the traditional mule events on Saturday.

Also on Saturday, just a few miles up Highway 78, the Rayle Ramble brought fun, food, and music for family, friends, and visitors from all over.

Headlining at Friday evening's concert and Saturday's Ramble, county and gospel singer Terri Gibbs, along with her husband, David Daughtry, and local music musicians Bill and Chancey Maxwell, and Kevin Armour entertained with help from Heartfelt Productions.

Hundreds of local folks came out to Callaway Friday evening to see the hand-crafted items for sale, and many stayed with lawn chairs and blankets, sitting on the lawn and listening to great local music in the chilly night air.

On Saturday, Mule Day events got underway by 9 a.m. with mule events and competitions under the direction of Dan Corbett and Ed Pope III. Mules from all over the region competed at halter (single and pairs) and hitch classes for teams of four and six mules to the wagon.

John Mobley of Union Point was the mule judge. Grand Champions chosen Saturday included David Ayers' mule Jane in Single Mule at Halter, and Ayers' Mag and Jane in Pair Mules at Halter.

In Cotton Mules, Fesque, owned by Reggie Hilliard of Dearing, took Grand Champion in Single Mule at Halter; and James Callaway of Washington took Grand Champion in Pair Mules at Halter with Blackie and Blue.

Joe Milligan of Monroe, Ga. took first place in both Hitch Events with his mules Kate and Pat.

Curtis Allison of North Carolina provided mule plowing lessons and David Ayers of Homer, Ga. offered wagon rides, Pope said. "They were great!"2006

Other Mule Day attractions included primitive crafters and demonstrations, antique machinery, arts and crafts vendors, food, games and races, a "Guess the Mule's Weight" contest, and more.

As a surprise extra bonus, some 50 kids got to take a short flight from Washington-Wilkes Airport, said Chris Hughes, the airport's FBO. As part of the Experimental Aircraft Association's Young Eagle program, pilot Keith Donker from Evans gave free rides to over 50 kids in his Cessna 182 aircraft, with Washington Kiwanians providing logistic support.

"In case you missed your free flight, the same event will be scheduled for next year's Mule Day," Hughes said.
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2006, October 13-14, 26th Mule Day Coming for Two Days

Mule Days, Rayle Ramble next weekend will give locals and visitors plenty to see
By KIP BURKE news editor


The opportunity to plow behind a mule is one of the highlights of the 26th annual Mule Day celebration at Callaway October 13-14.
Preparations are nearly complete for Mule Days at Callaway Plantation, the twenty-sixth annual celebration of times gone by set for Friday, October 13 and Saturday October 14.

That same Saturday, just a few miles up Highway 78, the Rayle Ramble will bring fun, food, music, and bingo for family, friends, and visitors from all over.

"That's a lot for visitors to do in one weekend - with a two-day Mule Day, and the Rayle Ramble on Saturday, plus they've got to come shopping in Washington," said Tourism Director Ashley Turner. "Shop, have dinner, and stay in Washington - that's a great weekend getaway for folks all over North Georgia."

This year, in an ongoing effort to bring more visitors into Washington for shopping, restaurants, and lodging, the Washington-Wilkes Chamber of Commerce is growing Mule Day into a two-day celebration, starting on Friday afternoon October 13 and go all day Saturday October 14.

"Friday is free admission day, and we really hope local folks will come out and get first shot at the handcrafted items and things the vendors have - and we've got lots of vendors this year," Turner said. "And kids can play old-fashioned games and climb the rock wall, and everybody can listen to great local music, and have all that great state-fairtype food."

On Saturday, Mule Day events get underway by 9 a.m. with mule events and competitions under the direction of Dan Corbett and Ed Pope III. Mules are expected from all over the region, Pope said. Mule contests will feature mules shown at halter (single and pairs) and hitch classes for teams of four and six mules to the wagon. Anyone with draft mules or cotton mules is invited to come to Mule Day and participate in the contest.

Other Mule Day attractions include primitive crafters and demonstrations, antique machinery, arts and crafts vendors, food, games and races, a "Guess the Mule's Weight" contest, and more.

At Callaway Plantation, visitors can tour the 1869 brick manor house, the 1790 two-story Federal Plainstyle house, and the 1785 oneroom rough-hewn log cabin.

Callaway Plantation is located on U.S. Highway 78, five miles east of Washington. Admission to Mule Day is $5 for adults, $3 for children ages 6-12. Kids five and under are free. For more information, call the Chamber at 706-678-2013.

A record 20 vendors have made commitments to come to Saturday's Rayle Ramble just up Highway 78 from Callaway. Vendors will sell items from dolls to John Deere memorabilia, from leather to stained glass. There will be several food vendors.

A highlight of the Ramble will be the appearance of national recording artist Terri Gibbs of Grovetown performing her country, contemporary, and gospel hits.

Other entertainment includes by local talents including Casey Davis, Brittany Klaus, Richard Tench, the Lighthouse Gospel Singers, Bill Maxwell, and more.

For the kids, the Ramble will feature a 24-foot double-lane tower slide, dune buggy rides, and other activities.

There will be a country store with many homemade goodies from cakes, cookies, and bread, to jellies and pickles made by Rayle country cooks.

Bingo at 1 p.m. Saturday is a Ramble highlight with prizes donated by local businesses.

The Rayle Ramble committee and the volunteer fire department will sponsor a barbecue chicken plate sale. Tickets are available from any member and plates can be picked up between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. The plates are $6 each.

One lucky ticket holder will win a free night at the Fitzpatrick Hotel in Downtown Washington. Winners do not have to be present to win. Door prizes will be awarded throughout the day.

"Make plans now to come out and enjoy a day of outstanding entertainment, great food, a wonderful atmosphere and down-home fun," says Ramble Chairman Jason Echols.

Rayle is located on U.S. 78 between Athens and Washington, 32 miles from Athens and 60 miles from Augusta. For more information, contact Echols at 706-274- 3350.
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2005, 2d Saturday in October, 25th Mule Day a Success

Sun breaks through and brings crowd as Mule Day and Fly-In happen anyway
By KIP BURKE news editor ,


Obstacle course champs Pat and Kate wait to compete in their event at the 25th annual Mule Day last Saturday.
Two days of rain last week threatened to turn the 25th annual Mule Day into a mass of mud, but the sun broke through Saturday morning and with it came a crowd of some 2,000 to celebrate old-time mule power, experience modern air power, and shop for hand-made crafts.

This all-day celebration of times gone by – with hand-made crafts, primitive craft demonstrations, and the rare chance to learn to plow behind the noble cotton mule – has always drawn thousands of visitors from surrounding counties, nearby states, and across the nation. Heavy rains Thursday and Friday kept the crowd small this year, but sunny weather Saturday helped make the day something of a success anyway for the Washington-Wilkes Chamber of Commerce.

Actual paid attendance was counted this year for the first time at 1,251, and hundreds of volunteers, exhibitors, and vendors brought the total to nearly 2,000.

With good weather Saturday, more than 40 kids ages 8 to 17 took to the air at the Annual Fly-In at the Washington-Wilkes Municipal Airport, said Chris Hughes, the airport’s operator. Under the EAA “Young Eagles” program, kids lined up to go flying in a private airplane, piloted by Keith Donker of Evans, who volunteered the use of his Cessna 172 to take kids on their first airplane ride ever. A dozen other aircraft came in for the Fly-In, and shuttles linked the Fly-in to Mule Day activities.

Rains Friday cancelled the first production of the only outdoor Civil War drama in Georgia, “Postmarked Wilkes County,” but Saturday evening’s performance was fairly well attended, following the oldfashioned “pig pickin’” traditional Southern dinner catered by Watchmakers restaurant.

Mules showed in several categories and John Mobley of Union Point judged the mule events with Ellen Day announcing the events in the ring. Mobley also gave a mule seminar demonstrating how mules were geared up for plowing and hauling.

The Grand Champion Single Draft Mule was “Kate,” shown by David Ayers of Homer, Ga. The Grand Champion Pair Draft Mules were shown by Ronnie Wiley of Auburn, Ga.. Among cotton mules, the Grand Champion Halter mule was shown by Preston Hollimon of Dearing, Ga.; and Early Tankersley of Thomson took the prize for Single Mule to a Wagon with his mule “Boom.” The Obstacle Course champs were Pat and Kate, shown by Ronnie Wiley.

The lawns of the plantation were filled with hand crafters and primitive crafters displaying their works and demonstrating their old-time skills. Shingle maker Billy Walker always drew a crowd making shingles with his 105-year-old machine.

Local musicians including Debbie McLeod, Alyssa Stewart, Robin Booker, Brittany Klaus, Brittany Ray, Karen Saggus, Katie and Dixie Lee Trimm, Carly Brown, and the Virtuous Women of Praise entertained all day with hometown music of every style. The Washington Little Theater performed a play, “If Men Played Cards Like Women” and sheepherder Hubert Bailey again demonstrated herding with dogs for an appreciative crowd.

And apparently the Mule Day crowd didn’t stay out at Callaway Plantation all day. Downtown Washington merchants had offered Mule Day visitors discounts to come shop, and many merchants said that Saturday turned into a very good day for early Christmas shopping.
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2005, 2d Saturday in October, 25th Mule Day Scheduled

By KIP BURKE news editor

TheNewsWhat do you get when you combine old-time mule power, free airplane rides for kids, and the only outdoor Civil War drama in Georgia?

That could only be Mule Day at Callaway Plantation near Washington, which comes around for its
25th year Saturday. This all-day celebration of times gone by – with hand-made crafts, primitive craft demonstrations, and the rare chance to learn to plow behind the noble cotton mule – has always drawn thousands of visitors from surrounding counties, nearby states, and across the nation.

Kids 8-17 will be able to try flying at the Annual Fly-In at the Washington-Wilkes Municipal Airport, across U.S. 78 from Callaway Plantation, said Chris Hughes, the airport’s FBO and owner of This Old Plane. Aircraft will be on static display all day, the Washington Kiwanis Club will serve refreshments, and shuttles will link the Fly-in to Mule Day activities.

Another of the weekend’s rare treats is a chance to see the only outdoor Civil War drama in Georgia, “Postmarked Wilkes County.”

“The exciting live action, charging cavalry, and gunfire contrasts with the haunting Civil War period music and the soldiers’ letters – simple, loving words passed between lonely young soldiers and the folks they left behind in Georgia,” said Louise Maynard, Washington-Wilkes Chamber of Commerce executive director. “This is the only outdoor Civil War drama in the state, and it’s very exciting – but we don’t get to perform it but a few times a year.”

The drama is performed at Callaway Plantation at 7 p.m. both Friday and Saturday evenings.

On Saturday evening “Postmarked Wilkes County” will follow an old-fashioned “pig pickin,’” a traditional Southern dinner said to “smell like heaven all afternoon and taste like heaven all evening.”

If you’ve got mules, Maynard says, bring them. “All mules and mule owners are welcome to participate in the day’s mule events,” she said. Mules will show in several categories, and there will be opportunities for the public to try plowing behind mules. Demonstrations of pulling with mule power are said to “show that the mule was the combination pickup truck and ATV of the last century.”

John Mobley of Union Point will judge the mule events, and Ellen Day will return to announce the mule events in the ring. Registration for mule events will start at 9 a.m., and all mules are welcome.

Mule judge Mobley will also give a mule seminar demonstrating how mules were – and are – geared up for plowing and hauling.

The lawn of the plantation will be filled with hand crafters and primitive crafters displaying their works and demonstrating their old-time skills. Local musicians will entertain all day with honest hometown music touching every style from bluegrass to gospel and beyond.

For kids, the day will be filled with food, arts and crafts, a puppet show, a Moon Bounce and rockclimbing wall. “Kids and grownups both will enjoy the baby llama petting zoo, the sheepdog herding demonstrations, and they’ll all enjoy shopping for unique gifts, seeing classic airplanes and cars, and touring the five historic homes of Callaway Plantation,” Maynard said.

Mule Day has traditionally brought thousands of visitors to Callaway Plantation, which is located six miles west of Washington on Highway 78, and 35 miles east of Athens.

Admission to Mule Day is $5 for adults, and $3 for children. “Postmarked Wilkes County” tickets for Friday night or Saturday night are $10. Tickets for both the pig-pickin and the drama are $20.
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