Benson came alive this weekend as the community celebrated more than 75 years of tradition during Benson Mule Days, a four-day festival that attracted thousands of visitors from across North Carolina and beyond.

The festivities featured plenty of entertainment throughout the weekend, including live music, carnival rides, arts and crafts, downtown vendors and events celebrating Benson’s long connection to mules. Thursday’s opening activities included trolley rides, live music and performances from the Raynorshine Band, Jason Michael Carroll and Zac Lee Band.

On Friday, the festival’s four-legged stars took center stage at Chamber Park and Arena. Visitors watched mule races, jumping competitions and the entertaining “Mules Got Talent” competition before judges selected the Grand Champion, who went on to appear in Saturday’s parade.

Saturday brought one of the biggest highlights of the weekend as thousands of spectators lined Benson’s streets for the annual parade. Horses, mules, buggies, marching bands, floats, Shriners units, classic cars and antique tractors were among the many entries that made their way through downtown.

Visitors also had opportunities to explore Benson’s history, including tours of the town’s last remaining mule stable and horse-drawn wagon rides. With music, competitions, shopping, history and plenty of family entertainment, Benson Mule Days once again showcased the traditions that have made the festival a North Carolina favorite for generations.