'From the beginning': Meet steadfast Mule Man 2024 from Santa Fe

A big part of Mule Day's revival in 1974 was a community of supporters, from organizers to the many who hitch up their wagons each year to travel 50-miles by wagon train throughout Maury County to celebrate Columbia's largest annual event.

Once the festival returned after COVID, which some might consider its own "revival," there was an idea to create a new annual recognition which honors longtime Mule Day supporters, since that's where the whole story began —through community support.

This year was the second time Mule Day organizers selected its annual Mule Man, which went to Bernis White of Santa Fe.

A longtime supporter from the beginning

The Daily Herald caught up with White and his family during Saturday's Mule Pulling Contest at Maury County Park's Main Arena during Mule Day festivities, where he sat in a covered wagon with his two mules, Jack and Kate.

The 83-year-old has been a long-time participant of Mule Day, which he said goes back to the beginning.

"I've been coming since they started it back in '74," White said. "This year we rode about four days before coming up here from Santa Fe."

As a festival steeped in tradition, wagons and the fun of wrangling animals, White has also incorporated his own little tradition for more than a decade.

Though using the word "little" is an understatement.

Mule Day traditionally begins as its Wagon Train makes its annual trek into Maury County Park. White also assembles his own wagon train each year. According to Mule Day Wagon Train organizers, this year's official group consisted of 21 wagons, while White's brought a whopping 17.

"We had 17 wagons, and I've been doing this for about 12-13 years," White said.

A chance to 'play with the mules'

White formerly worked at the Union Carbide Corporation, retiring in 2000 after working 24 years before the company closed.

When it comes to returning for Mule Day's 50th year, along with the recognition as this year's Mule Man, White remains humble, and happy he can spend another year, as he said, "playing with the mules."

"Once I got too old to work, it was a way for me to spend time playing with the mules," White said.

Part of why he comes to Mule Day each year is because of the people he's met and formed friendships with. There is also a joy in seeing the growing generations experience Columbia's long-celebrated festival, especially if it's for the first time.

"It's been alright," White said. "You see a lot of people you don't often see around here, and a lot of new people every year. It's just great to see everybody."

White's daughter, Teresa Johnson, said she was very proud of her father's nomination, though he's simply happy the festival has continued to thrive and grow. To White, that's enough to saddle up and come back every year, see old friends and continue the tradition with family.

"I'm very excited for him. He didn't want it, didn't think he deserved it, but yes, he did," Johnson said. "We've come every year we've been able to, and I've got three grandkids now that come every year. It's a family thing."

Jay Powell is a general reporter for The Daily Herald. Get up-to-date news in your inbox by subscribing to The Daily Herald newsletter at www.ColumbiaDailyHerald.com.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Herald: Meet Mule Day's steadfast Mule Man 2024 from Santa Fe