James and Barbara Spires and family graciously open their beautiful farm each year to showcase those curious creatures we call mules at the famous Mule Roundup in Guysie. (There’s also a Mule Day, in Calvary, Georgia). I photographed the sign, a landmark in its own right, in 2009. The photos that follow were made at the 16th Annual roundup in 2010. A nice history of the festival can be found here.

UPDATE: Sadly, the Mule Roundup has ceased operation.

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!

Art Bennett (right) with a friend, calling the mules.