What's Unique About Columbia
The self-proclaimed Mule Capital Of The World
Columbia is a medium-sized city located in the state of Tennessee. With a population of 39,376 people and 11 constituent neighborhoods, Columbia is the 18th largest community in Tennessee.
Unlike some cities where white-collar or blue-collar occupations dominate the local economy, Columbia is neither predominantly one nor the other. Instead, it has a mixed workforce of both white- and blue-collar jobs.
Columbia is an extremely ethnically-diverse city. The people who call Columbia home describe themselves as belonging to a variety of racial and ethnic groups.
Mule Day
Mule Day has been a popular Columbia tradition since the 1840s. It began as “Breeder’s Day”, a single day livestock show and mule market event held on the first Monday in April. Over time Mule Day evolved. The first “official” Mule Day was held in 1934, which consisted of the parade, and a mule show in downtown Columbia after the parade.
Evolving still, Mule Day went from being a single day event to a multi-day festival, attracting thousands of attendees. Saturday’s Mule Day parade is the highlight of the event. If you visit during Mule Day celebrations, you might see a square dance, a mule-driving contest, a horse show, a crafts festival, or attend a flea market. Other events include “working mule”, “best of breed”, or even lumberjack competitions. Traditional Appalachian food, music, dancing, and crafts are featured. Click here to learn more.
