Calvary Lions Club sees success at Annual Mule Day

Jill Holloway, Thomasville Times-Enterprise, Ga.
·2 min read

Nov. 6—CALVARY- The Calvary Lions Club hosted their annual Mule Day on Saturday, complete with live animals, entertainment, syrup making and multiple arts & crafts and food booths.

Calvary Lions Club president Mindy Shamburger said the day was a huge success, despite a few setbacks.

"We were thrown a few wrenches in this year's events with no parades and mule showing," she said.

The parade was canceled after the Georgia Department of Transportation expressed safety concerns with the parade crossing Highway 111. However, Shamburger assured that the Lions Club is looking at alternate routes for next year to bring back the parade.

"Overall the day was a success though with a steady crowd throughout the day," she said.

Shamburger said the club saw more vendors than they have since Hurricane Michael back in 2018.

She was especially touched by one vendor, who approached her after the event was over.

"He was a latecomer, but we made room for him," she explained. "When the day was over, he approached me and told me I had just saved a life."

Shamburger later learned the vendor's six-year-old daughter needed a life-saving surgery and the goods he sold that day would pay for her operation.

In addition to hand-crafted goods and delicious foods, the Lions Club had plenty of opportunities for animal education.

Big E Livestock brought donkeys, while Rim Fire Ranch explained how horses and donkeys make mules.

"Many people think mules are just made from other mules," Shamburger said. "But, having Rim Fire Ranch there to explain where they come from was educational to others."

Rim Fire Ranch was only one of the many vendors who paid the Calvary Lions Club to attend the event. With all the money raised from vendors, the Lions Club can help sponsor local events and organizations that ultimately give back to their main focus of eye care and children's cancer research.

"The money we raise in little Calvary is seen worldwide," Shamburger reminded.

Shamburger concluded by thanking everyone who came out and made the event a success.

"I just really appreciate all the volunteers who help make this possible," she said. "The Calvary Lions Club is only about 15 people, so it would be impossible without the help of the community."

With their big event done for the year, Shamburger said the club has been tossing out ideas about a second event to host later this year, but said it's too early to share any fine details. She encourages everyone to keep their ears open for any information to come.