Legend has it that mule owners were attracted to Enfield because of superior local breeders. Millage Miller, a merchant and mayor of Enfield, is credited with organizing the first parade and carnival in 1921. It has prospered over the years under the direction of the Mule Day Association. Mule Day is foremost a homecoming celebration, and many classes of the former Enfield High School use the occasion for their reunions. My Class of 1972 likes having reunions after Thanksgiving, when other family obligations have been met.
Locals enjoy it for the visiting, entertainment, and eating.
I love to see people with lawn chairs in the middle of main street listening to the Saturday evening entertainment. The Village of Enfield was founded in 1853, based on speculation that a railroad would soon be built through the town. It arrived in 1872. Among the Scots-Irish families was that of Thomas Rutledge, including daughter Ann, who gained immortality as Abraham Lincoln's love at New Salem. Legend has it that Southern Illinois University, now of Carbondale, and the Arthurs railroad car factory which spurred the growth of Mt. Vernon, IL, could have been built in Enfield but were opposed by local residents.