The town of Benson, North Carolina celebrates Benson Mule Days® the 4th Saturday of September each year. This year it will take place September 20-23.  This festival is considered one of the largest festivals in North Carolina and will kickoff with a Barrel Exhibition and Open Barrel Race Thursday night.

This festival, which draws approximately 50,000 people, is full of family fun and activities for everyone young and old. The weekend is packed with rodeos, a mule pulling contest, arts and crafts, vendors, street dances, carnival rides, camping, parades, bluegrass shows and more.

The parade alone attracts about 20,000 people and takes place Saturday, September 22 at 10am. The parade will feature bands, floats, antique tractors and hundreds of horses, mules, and buggies. Visitors come from as far away as Alaska, Germany and California.

Benson Mule Days® was inducted into the Library of Congress in Washington, DC in May of 2000. This festival was submitted by Congressman Bob Etheridge who attended the 50th celebration and served as a parade judge. The Chamber prepared information which is on display at the Library of Congress and on their website.

A week prior to the beginning of this annual celebration, a golf tournament is held at Reedy Creek, a local golf course. The tournament features a four man superball with prizes and a big cookout following a day of golf. This is open to all levels of golfers except professionals.

For a complete schedule of events or more information on Benson Mule Days®, including vendor, golf, and camping information, visit www.bensonmuledays.com, or call the Benson Area Chamber of Commerce at (919) 894-3825.