Planning for this year's Mule Day Southern Heritage Festival are already underway with new hands on the reins of the venerable fall event.

This year, the Wilkes County Extension office will be the lead for the festivities, said Wilkes County Extension Coordinator Rick Smith, and the event is set for October 10 at Callaway Plantation.

The Washington-Wilkes Historical Foundation is also involved this year, he said. Historical Foundation members will be coordinating all the historical aspects of the day, including primitive crafters, costumed docents for the homes, and outbuildings.

Washington-Wilkes Chamber of Commerce board members have long felt that the event needed to involve the agricultural community more, especially the youth. "Mule Day was at its best when folks who loved it, like Dr. Turner Bryson, were running things," said a former Chamber board member. "It can be great again if it's put on by the people who love agriculture, love history, and have a real heart to show off their animals and their way of life."

Smith said that he is looking forward to the participation of many youth, civic, and ag groups in the upcoming planning for Mule Day. To volunteer or to get more information on upcoming planning meetings, contact the Wilkes County Extension office by phone at 706-678-2332 or email: wpsmith@ uga.edu.