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The small town of Benson, North Carolina, with a population of around 4000, will swell to approximately 70,000 come September 20-23, 2007 as the 58th Annual Benson Mule Days Celebration, sponsored by the Benson Area Chamber of Commerce, takes place.

A blanket of excitement covers the area as visitors merge into the town area and outlying regions bringing horses, mules, wagons, campers and unusual equine contraptions to settle down for a four-day hiatus.

Thursday, September 20 campers settle in as they prepare to attend the concert which will be held at 7:00 PM featuring Jeff Bates  performing in the BensonSinging Grove on Main Street.  There is no charge for admission.

{mosimage}Friday, September 21 visitors can enjoy many events including the "Mule Competitions" held in the Chamber Park and Arena.  They will see mule pulls with sleds, coon jumping, a mule race, and Best of Show.  From these competitors the "Grand Champion" is chosen and will be in the Benson Mule Days parade on Saturday, September 22nd.  If you haven't seen a mule competition this is a "must see" for the whole family.  There is no charge for admission.  Saturday is a big day at Benson Mule Days as thousands of spectators grapple for a place to sit or stand to observe the biggest parade in North Carolina.  Bands, floats, Shriner units, classic cars, antique tractors, unique entries, beauty queens, and hundreds of horses, mules, buggies, wagons and more make their way down Main Street of Benson beginning at 10:00 AM.

Following the parade visitors can make their way to the Singing Grove Park where a Bluegrass show is being presented, visit the arts and crafts vendors as well we good and commercial vendors.  It is always fun to walk into the local businesses which offer a variety of products in our area.  The carnival is alive and well and a rodeo is in full blast at the Chamber Park and Arena.  There are actually four rodeos of which the first begins on Friday night followed by a Saturday afternoon and night performance.  On Sunday there is a SRA Junior Rodeo. 

Feel like dancing?  There are two street dances on Friday and Saturday night, right in downtown Benson.

There is a lot to do during Benson Mule Days and it is a great time to stroll the beautiful town of Benson.  For a complete schedule of this 58 year old event which honors the farmer’s best friend, the mule, call (919) 894-3825 or e-mail at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  You can also visit the official Mule Days website at: http://bensonmuledays.com.