IDER, AL (WAFF) -
The DeKalb County town of Ider had a successful Mule Day celebration, despite the weather.
"I've been coming to Mule Day ever since I was a little girl," said Lindsey Slay.
For the little town of Ider, Mule Day is the next best thing to Christmas. Thousands come from all over to enjoy the mule and horse pulling competitions.
The event often draws people campaigning to get to a state office. If successful, it also brings them back to get away.
"I just enjoy getting out of Montgomery and visiting with people all over the state," said Governor Robert Bentley.
Last year, weather washed out Mule Day, but this year, the show went on.
"So far it hasn't dampened the spirits of the people that's come to see it, so we're having a good time right now," said Ider Mayor Mike Flynn.
For a small town, it's the kids who get to enjoy it the most and it shows with the smiles on their faces.
"She just likes to come and play and watch the horses and go pet everybody, come ride all the rides. It's just a tradition," said Slay.
The mayor said all of the money raised at Mule Day will go back into the park to make for a better Mule Day event next year.
The governor said this is his third Mule Day festival. It would have been his fourth, but he said last year's rain out kept him from coming.
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Thousands come from all over to enjoy the mule and horse pulling competitions at the Ider Mule Day festival.
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