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Mule Day In 1950, when Benson first held Mule Day, mule teams could still be seen working in the vast flat farmlands surrounding the town. Folks in town wanted to do something to honor these faithful workers, so they staged Mule Day, and farmers from several counties came with their mules. Hundreds of mules paraded through the streets and competed in contests. But as the years passed, mules disappeared from the fields and fewer showed up for Mule Day. Then in the mid-1970s came a turnaround. Mules were rediscovered. People started raising them for fun, to pull wagon trains, and to take to special events. Now more than 1,000 mules show up in Benson on the last Saturday in September to parade and compete in Beauty contests, pulling events, and races. Hundreds of horses show up too. In addition to the mule events, these are a rodeo and a street dance. Dancers are advised to watch their step.
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