My EMT DD will be working Mule Days..oh boy...guess she will be busy! What kind of law enforcement presence do they have at night? HP or sheriff only?
My stepbrother and his dad used to come yearly, it was a big deal to them. They lived in Fredericksburg, VA.
Apparently two people think Mule Days is worthy as their wedding venue...:shock: While looking at jobs on CL, I saw someone planning to get married there, if they can find a minister.
They will usually have police presence from other towns as well to help out. I think it was last year that a Clayton officer was injured during a fight at a local Benson bar during Mule Days.
I believe you're right, Cleo. Not sure if he was intentionally stabbed or just got jabbed while trying to break it up. You know, when a small little town has to have a law enforcement force the size of the Raleigh PD to keep people in check, you have to question just how safe it is...especially at night. Just about everyone I have talked to that lives in the area always seems to dread Mule Days coming around. Its a boon for the local economy but seems to be a breeding ground for trouble. Probably has a lot to do with the nighttime events and overnight camping. Other multiple day events are held without the reputation and I can't believe that livestock brings out the worst in people. I mean...really...Mule Days complete with horses, mules and donkeys, carries practically the same stigma as some biker rallies. Doesn't that seem absurd?
Wow...I guess I don't remember the Klan recruiters there. :? It has been many years since I went but dang!
I was thinking the same thing...I have gone every year since I moved up here 8 years ago and I have NEVER seen that presence around.
Actually, they came across as sincere and wanting to do it cowboy/cowgirl (no sexual puns allowed, folks) and I told them that Yes, I do ride horses, have boots, and will ress with bolo tie and formal black stetson. And, yes, if a couple is sincere, I'm all for it. Sounds like a lot of fun...
As Mule days has grown over the years it's gotten worse. back when I was growing up in the mid/late 80's we would cruise Benson during Mule days and with a few exceptions of public drunkeness there wasn't any trouble. Seems that the more "famous/infamous" it becomes the more rowdy/troublesome it becomes.