STATE ANIMAL DEBUTS AT SEMO FAIR

About 20 years before the mule became the state animal, Rocky Stroder of Jackson became interested in mules.

"Dad brought home one and I decided that I had to have two," he said.

Stroder still likes his mules in pairs; he entered two 8-year-olds into competition at this year's SEMO District Fair.

"This is something I really enjoy doing," he said.

Stroder likes it so much that he is one of the few entrants who still take mules to the fair the old way: by hitching them to a wagon and driving them in from his home along Highway 72 in west Jackson. He said the journey took about an hour and half.

In addition to Stroder, seven other entrants were expected for this year's competition. But they will use stock trailers to bring their mules to the fair.

Mules have been featured at the fair probably since it started in 1855, but for the first time since the General Assembly last spring declared the mule Missouri's state animal, fairgoers can see them under one of the livestock tents at the 140th annual district fair.

Fair competitors had to arrive with their mules and registration papers by 6 p.m. Tuesday. Judging will take place Thursday.

As the mules were unloaded, owners were trimming manes, ears and tails to better their chances of winning a ribbon. Most of the mules didn't mind the electric trimmers being used but a few kicked at the sound and vibration of the devices.

"She won't kick a Democrat," said Pete Miller of Oak Ridge as he stepped behind one of the 12 mules he entered to trim her tail.

Judges look for an even, short mane, trimmed tail, sharp ears, light color and good bone structure among other qualities.

Mules are the sterile offspring of a male donkey and a female horse. Some Missourians wanted the mule as the official state animal because of its legacy as a smart, hardworking animal.

"They're intelligent and worthy of the distinction," said Charles Woodford of Cape Girardeau, who led a group pushing to have the mule declared the official state animal.

As Woodford walked through the mule tent Tuesday afternoon talking to some of his buddies he wore a T-shirt that said, "It's official. The Missouri Mule."

The mule opened Missouri to agriculture, aided in the state's coal and lead mines and still helps loggers move timber, Woodford said during his campaign for the mule.

"The mule has done so many things to contribute to the state," he said. "The mule is worthy of the designation of state animal."

Fair officials said that more people were coming to see the mules and other attractions this year at the fair.

"Attendance and parking are both up over last year," said Sam Below, president of the fair board.

Below said between 15,000 and 16,000 people walked through the gates Sunday, about 2,000 more people than Sunday's attendance last year. He said the fair also surpassed the record for the number of people attending the annual demolition derby on Monday.