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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