Some of the most elite mule teams from a multi-state area will be in Russellville Saturday for demonstrations of their many skills.
Haley Auctions & Real Estate is both sponsoring and hosting the Mule Jamboree & Festival in the field behind their office at 51 Sold Lane. It’s on the Russellville North Bypass near Concord Lane.
Tim Haley, who heads Haley Auctions & Real Estate, and Kentucky 2021 Auctioneer of the Year Will Gregory have put the event together along with Cindy Odle of Dixie Longears.
Plans are for the Mule Jam to include wagon and buggy rides, harness and hitch exhibitions, demonstration of horse-drawn equipment, Amish lifestyle exhibitions, and other family-friendly events.
There’s no admission charge. There will be food and ice cream for sale. Some local vendors will have items for sale. If it’s raining, they will be inside the Haley headquarters.
Bluegrass music will also be presented live with a group headed by Kenny Gregory, Will’s dad. Attendees are welcome to bring chairs with them to sit and listen to the music and watch the demonstrations.
The Mule Jam goal is to promote “everything mule,” including annual events, wagon rides, festivals, sales, equipment, etc., while allowing “potential mule skinners” a hands-on experience.
“Lots of people grew up working horses and mule. That was way of life,” Haley says. “This will be a chance for those who remember those days to relive some of their memories and for younger people who have no idea how to harness a mule to learn what farm life was like then.
“This is a way for us to give back to the community and for some elderly people to experience what they thought they would never see again.”