The heart of the Mule Day celebration.
About the Mule Day Parade
A Tradition Like No Other
The Mule Day Parade is the centerpiece of the annual festivities in Columbia, Tennessee. As one of the most popular events of the weekend, it brings the community and visitors together to celebrate the heritage of the mule. The parade is a massive procession featuring a variety of entries that showcase the spirit of Maury County.
What You’ll See
The parade is famous for its diverse lineup, including:
Mule Teams & Wagons: The stars of the show, showcasing traditional hitches and working animals.
Themed Floats: Creative displays from local organizations and businesses.
Special Guests: The Mule Day Queen and her Court, along with local dignitaries and marching bands.
Equestrian Entries: Mounted riders and specialized equine groups.
Countdown to Parade Time
Parade Logistics & Participant Info
Essential details for spectators and entries.
Event Schedule
Date: Saturday of Mule Day Weekend.
Start Time: 11:00 AM.
Location: The parade route travels through Downtown Columbia.
Important Information for Participants
To ensure a safe and organized event, all parade entries must follow these requirements:
Registration: All entries must be pre-registered. No "day-of" or walk-up entries are permitted.
Check-In & Line-Up: Participants must report to the designated check-in area at the top of the hill at Carmack Blvd. and 17th Street.
Equine Requirements: All horses, mules, and donkeys must have proof of a negative Coggins Test. This will be checked by officials before you are allowed into your line-up position.
Judging & Awards: Floats and entries are judged during the procession, with ribbons and prizes awarded to the top entries in various categories.
Spectator Information
Arrival: We recommend arriving early to secure a viewing spot along the route, as the downtown area becomes very crowded.
Official Merchandise: Be sure to visit the Baker Building (the new indoor location) for official "Ears Through the Years" souvenirs before or after the parade.
Here is the full transcription of the Parade Rules and Parade Requirements as provided in the official documents.
Parade Rules
The Mule Day parade is one of the highlights of the festivities and is attended by more people than any other event or activity during Mule Day. Each year the parade grows and the organizers strive to make it bigger and better than the year before. We are at a point where for the time being we can no longer make it bigger, but we can continue to make it better. The line-up area is going to be shorter for the parade and therefore we ask only pre-registered entries show up on the day of the parade.
All parade participants should pre-register thru the Mule Day office prior to March 1st. The parade is for approved entries that are pre-registered and assigned a line-up number through the office. If you have not pre-registered, we ask you come out and watch the parade, but not attempt to be a participant.
All participants are asked to adhere to the parade rules:
Proof of current Coggins Test required for all equine.
No balloons or bubble machines in the parade or along the parade route.
No alcohol allowed in the parade or at the park.
Horse and mule riders will ride four abreast.
Shirts and shoes must be worn.
No passing in the parade. You must stay in your spot.
No riding backwards in the parade.
Nothing is to be thrown or given from parade entries to spectators. This includes candy, t-shirts, passes, tickets, trinkets, etc.
No bicycles, motor bikes or four wheelers in the parade.
Mule riders will ride in front of the MCB&S Club wagon train.
Entries should stay in the center of the street and follow the center line.
Floats should adhere to the current theme.
Entry number should be displayed on both sides of entry.
Anyone not obeying parade rules will be asked to leave the parade.
Mounted riders are asked to register as a group and will be assigned a parade number. Other mounted riders will be placed in the back of the parade and will be required to ride in an organized manner.
These rules are intended for everyone in the parade and are necessary to make a safe and enjoyable parade for both participants and spectators.
!! NO CAMPAIGN SIGNS !!
!! NO FLOATS OVER 60 FEET IN LENGTH !!
Parade Requirements
From the official Parade Entry Form
Registration: Anyone wanting to participate in the parade should send a brief description of their parade entry to the Mule Day Office 931-381-9557, or P.O. Box 66, Columbia, TN 38402 by March 1st. They will be notified by mail of their lineup number by March 22nd.
Judging: All entries must be in place and ready for judging by 10 a.m. Judging is in the assembly area before the parade begins and the entries will be judged on originality, and appropriateness to Mule Day. Judge's decision will be final.
Vehicle Restrictions: No cars, trucks, vans or tractors will be accepted as entries except those decorated as floats, pulling floats, or carrying beauty queens, political figures, etc. No campaign signs, bicycles, motorcycles, go carts, dune buggies, lawn mowers or 4-wheelers permitted on parade route.
Conduct & Standards: No entry in the parade shall wear or display any costume, flag, sign, banner, standard or insignia, which in the sole discretion of the Mule Day Committee of the Maury County Bridle and Saddle Club, is judged to be offensive according to community standards recognized by said Committee, or which in said Committee's sole judgment would be repulsive, or cause fear or anxiety to a large portion of the Community and/or might incite people to violence.
Safety: Alcoholic beverages are prohibited in assembly area, along parade route and at Maury County Park. Anyone who does not comply will be subject to arrest and will be PULLED FROM THE PARADE ON THE SPOT.
Prohibited Items: ABSOLUTELY NO BALLOONS OR BUBBLE MACHINES ALONG PARADE ROUTE. Likewise, parade entrants must be suitably dressed. Shirtless riders will not be permitted to participate in the parade. Dogs must be on a leash on Parade route.
State Law: State Law requires that your animals have proof of an Equine Infectious Anemia Test (Negative Coggins Disease) at all events during Mule Day. This test must have been done in the last 12 months.