The 26th annual Mid-Missouri Horse, Mule and Ox Farming and Historical Crafts Days was held last weekend just north of Gerald. Once again the clearing in the woods was packed with folks demonstrating pioneer and homesteading skills.

By visiting Mule Days, as it is called around here, you could watch spinning, soap making, blacksmithing, sorghum pressing, weaving, basket and rug making, and mini straw bales being made. A dry stone mason added to a wall that has been being built for several years. Kids even tried their hands at placing the stones.

Speaking of kids, there were also children’s primitive games, toys to purchase from the woodcarver and so many other activities for them to enjoy.

As the beautiful fall weather whetted the appetite, there was plenty of food available ranging from chuckwagon dutch oven cooking to heritage foods. Or there were pies, jams, jellies and bread to purchase to take home.

Watching Michaela Redeker perform standing on her daredevil draft horses or seeing the draft animals powering antique equipment was just icing on the cake.

To gauge the true impact of the event, one had only to watch the families as they headed for home. Small kids hoisting a mini-bale on their back, grandpas carefully carrying a homemade pie, mom holding a handmade basket, grandma cradling a quilt to take home and cherish. The look of tired delight on their faces told the story of a day well-spent. The repeated promises that would be back next year, told how much it meant to the children.