Clark County Mule Festival in Missouri: Mule Polo Does Indeed Exist

Festivals don't come much funnier than the Clark County Mule Festival outside tiny Kahoka, Missouri.

Organizers entice the notoriously stubborn critters to compete in any number of games and contests, like mule polo, musical tires and the famous pantyhose, coon hunter and Dolly Parton races!

You can bring your own horse or mule to join the trail rides; camping is available (primitive sites or sites with electric hookups go for $5 and $10 a night, respectively). But you don't need a mule to enjoy the entertainment or browse around the craft booths, quilt show and flea market.

Kahoka is where U.S. Highway 136 meets State Highway 81 in far northeastern Missouri, about 16 miles west of the Illinois state line. Held at the fairgrounds on Business Route EE just outside of town, the festival takes place the third full weekend in September (September 16-18 in 2005).

For details, call Becki Krueger at 1-660-727-3295.