WASHINGTON, GA  --  Once upon a time in Washington, Georgia there existed a cotton economy, which richly provided for the citizens, enabling them to sustain the beautiful town of today.  Mules primarily powered this economy performing the backbreaking labor involved in building, plowing the fields, hauling and pulling cargo and machinery.  All of these things and more were accomplished with the aid of a sturdy mule.  Wherever you see tractors, engines, or motors used today, in the past, mules provided the power to run heavy machinery.  But guess who got all the credit . . .  horses.

Well in Washington, GA, they believe in giving credit where credit is due.  Though notoriously stubborn, the humble mule deserves recognition for its immeasurable contribution to the building of a great community. In Washington and Wilkes County they pay homage to that noble beast with a festival held at Callaway Plantation.   

This festival began in 1981 with a statement by the then Mayor E. B. Pope proclaiming September 26th as "Mule Day" in the City of Washington.  Twenty-three years later, the tradition continues and the noble beast is still honored with the Annual Mule Day Festival . . .  a Southern Heritage Festival if you will.

Each year everyone gathers at Callaway Plantation on the second Saturday in October to pay tribute to one of the nation's greatest leaders.  People from all around come out to enjoy plowing and pulling demonstrations and competitions.

A variety of events including plowing and mule pulling competitions plus sheepdog herding demonstrations will be held focusing on mules and other livestock.  But that's not all.  There will be a traditional arts and crafts fair, exhibitions of old-time primitive crafters demonstrating the arts of basket weaving, arrowhead making, spinning and weaving, and more.  There will also be an antique and classic car display, wildlife exhibits and tours of Callaway Plantation . . .  a historic site  featuring many restored  structures.  Enter-tainment will abound for everyone with    the sounds of "picking and strumming" and games galore.

October 11, 2003 will be a day of fun and activities for the whole family in Washington, Georgia.  So let the tantalizing aromas of our food vendors lure you to Callaway Plantation and a true southern heritage festival.  Festival hours will be from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.  Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for children ages 5 - 12 and free for children age 4 and under.  Free parking     and courtesy carts will drive you from the parking area to the festival grounds.  For more information, contact the Washington-Wilkes Chamber of Commerce at 706-678-2013.