James and Barbara Spires and family graciously open their beautiful farm each year to showcase those curious hybrid creations we call mules at the famous Mule Roundup in Guysie. A nice history of the festival can be found here. [There’s also a Mule Day, in Calvary, Georgia, and another in Wilkes County].
The photos in this post were made at the 16th Annual Roundup in 2010.
Hands down this is one of the best festivals in South Georgia, with mule competitions, old-fashioned cane grinding, cloggers, and gospel and country singers, as well as antique automobiles, and plenty of vendors and fun for the kids.
The best part about it is that it doesn’t feel like a festival; it feels like you were just invited over for a hoe-down on the farm.
Don’t forget to stop by the Guysie General Store and buy a souvenir of your visit. They have great t-shirts.
In case you don’t know, mules are the offspring of a male donkey and a female horse.
As a result, mules share similar colors and patterns with horses.
They also liver longer and eat less than horses, in general.
They can live up to 50 years.
Until modern tractors were commonly available, mules were preferred for plowing. They have also been in military use for over a thousand years.
And they’re actually not as stubborn as their reputation would suggest. They’re definitely smarter than donkeys.
The sign is a landmark in its own right.
UPDATE: Sadly, the Mule Roundup has ceased operation.
When is the roundup 2014?
when is mule days this time kenny brunswick ga
WHEN WILL THE ROUNDUP BE THIS YEAR? tRYING TO GET OFF TO COME’
It will be Oct 1&2 Friday night starting @7
yea we are gearing up to enjoy another year with u all…will sure miss Mr. Spires coming to our camp and talking to us. But feel sure we will enjoy the rest of u all. It won’t be long now.. Thanks for all u all do to make this such a wonderful event.
Just to let you know, we have just lost our GREAT DAD , GRANDFATHER,AND HUSBAND. HE WAS THE FOUNDER OF THE MULE ROUND UP AT GUYSIE GA. HE PASSED AWAY JUNE 18TH, TUESDAY MORNING. IF YOU NEED TO CONTACT ME, PLEASE CALL 912-632-5569 THIS MULE ROUND UP WILL BE IN HIS HONOR….. THANKS , HIS SON HARLEY.. AND THE SPIRES FAMILY…
So sorry to hear about this…but his legacy will surely live on with the Roundup…it’s one of my favorite festivals in Georgia; love the sense of fellowship and good will that everyone seems to have. I love photographing the event, too. Can’t wait to visit again soon…
january 18th james passed away… sorry to intrude harley..love yall
Very sorry to hear of his passing, I’ve been to the round up for two years and enjoyed it very much. Our group “CHOSEN” look foward to singing and enjoying Gods blessings, needed to ask if there is full hookup available for pull behind campers and the cost? Thank you for your time…Becky Lee
This is my 16th year at Guysie and each and every year seems like it gets bigger and better. We thought a few years back it may slow down because of the economy, but it seems like it still keeps growing bigger each year. Barbara and James Spires, their sons Aaron and Harley along with their wives and children really work hard year round and really have the place looking good each and every year……. I would just like to say thank you for such a good job that you do each year. I go to mule round ups all over and nobody makes me feel at home any more than they do! Thanks!
Big “A”
Thanks for the comments, Big A. Your post is the reason I went and photographed the event. It was totally worth the trip and the time. Great folks…