Clark County Mule Festival – Sept. 18th – 20th
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As the leaves begin to change and the crispness of fall touches the air, a familiar excitement starts to build in Kahoka, Missouri. Nestled in the northeast corner of the state, this small town becomes the center of attention each September as it hosts a beloved tradition that draws people from all across the country: The Clark County Mule Festival.
Now in its 39th year, the 2025 Mule Festival will kick off on September 18th, 19th, and 20th, held at the Clark County Fairgrounds on Business Route EE, just a mile east of town. What began as a local gathering has grown into a nationally recognized celebration of Missouri’s state animal—the mule— and everything that comes with country living: games, crafts, music, food, and community.
But the festivities actually begin before the official dates. On Wednesday, September 17th, a lively mule and wagon parade will roll out from the fairgrounds at 1:00 p.m., bringing smiles to local schoolchildren and nursing home residents as the parade makes stops at the Indian Pride School and the Clark County Nursing Home before returning. Later that evening an outdoor movie will be played in the 4-H livestock barn, movie starting at dusk. A big thank you to Adam Newell with Paul Insurance who will be setting up the screen and equipment for the movie to be viewed.
By Thursday afternoon, the fairgrounds come alive with the sound of hooves and laughter. At 4:00 p.m., the first mule games of the weekend begin— simple, fun, and often hilarious competitions that set the tone for everything to come. Meanwhile, for those camping on-site, the annual Open Campfire Cook-Off will take place, challenging registered campers to cook up their best chili or stew using a Dutch oven over an open flame. Winners in each category will earn a free week of camping at next year’s festival.
On Friday, the action starts early with more mule games at 10:00 a.m., followed by mule jumps at 3:00 p.m., a flag presentation by the Boy Scouts at 6:45 p.m., and then a full evening of events including mule sorting, roping, and goat events at 7:00 p.m. One of the evening’s highlights is the King and Queen Contest, open only to participants who ride mules.
Throughout the weekend, the festival grounds will be filled with local crafts, tack vendors, flea markets, and mouthwatering food booths. Vendors open by choice on Thursday, fully open on Friday at 10 a.m., and Saturday at 8 a.m. If you’re looking for festival keepsakes, the Souvenir Office will be open beginning Thursday morning, offering t-shirts, memorabilia, and displays from the children’s coloring contest, with entries submitted by local elementary schools.
Saturday is the biggest day of all. Starting at 10:00 a.m., the Mule Show kicks off in front of the grandstand with a rousing performance by the Clark County High School Marching Band, followed by the Grand Entry of mules and riders. The competition is open to anyone with a mule, and events range from the playful (like the musical carpets and pantyhose race) to the impressive (mule team events, mule jumps, and more).
At noon, the much-anticipated Precision Mule Pull showcases the strength and discipline of both mule and handler. Later in the afternoon the mule jumps return for another round of gravity-defying action. And as the sun sets, the energy shifts toward the grandstand, where the Saturday Night Rodeo begins at 7:00 p.m. With edge-of-your-seat thrills, it’s one of the most exciting shows of the year. The Clark County Mule Festival is thankful for this year’s great rodeo sponsors: Exchange Bank of Northeast Missouri, St. Clair Performance Horses & Ott’s Auto Supply.
Just before the Rodeo in recognition of September being National Prisoner of War & Missing in Action awareness month, VFW members and their families will release black and white balloons. Each balloon contains the name of a known POW or MIA from the state of Missouri. In addition, there will be one yellow balloon representing our prayers for the safe return of all our service people currently engaged in active duty. On the back of each name is the address of Post 4342 in the hope that if anyone finds a balloon they will contact the post. If anyone is interested in helping with the balloon release please meet at the VFW promptly at 6:30 p.m. that evening or at the South end of the end field at 6:45 p.m.
After the rodeo, head to the 4-H Building for a live performance by Staggard to dance the night away. This year the after rodeo entertainment is being sponsored by Rise Broadband.
Also on Saturday, show participants can win prizes throughout the day, with drawings at 11:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 1:00 p.m., and 2:00 p.m. All prizes are generously donated by local businesses that proudly support the festival.
The weekend closes on a peaceful note with a Cowboy Church service on Sunday morning at 8:00 a.m., held in the grandstand and led by the Fellowship of Christian Cowboys. No events are scheduled for the rest of Sunday—just time to pack up, say goodbye to new friends, and begin the countdown to next year’s festival.
Admission & Seating
Admission is just $5 per person for the entire weekend, and each guest receives a commemorative button or ticket—required for entry each day. Kids under 10 get in free.
Want a guaranteed seat? Box seats in the grandstand are available for purchase now. Contact Lori Hamner for details. All other seating is open and first come, first served, so arrive early for the best views.
Raffles & Special Attractions
Throughout the week, don’t forget to check out:
•The 50/50 Raffle, with the winner drawn during Saturday’s rodeo
•The King-size quilt raffle (Double Wedding Ring pattern), available all week and from any festival member
•The children’s coloring contest, with entries displayed in the Souvenir Office
You do not need to be present to win raffle prizes.
Want to Join In?
Interested in a vendor spot? Reach out to Tina Sedore or Sandie Hopp for more info.
Need more details or have questions? Contact: Mike Schantz, Mary Rhodes, Ashley Justice, Sarah Church, Sandie Hopp, Candice Yoder, or Debbie Logsdon.
Visit our website: www.clarkcountymulefestival.com.
