Memorial Day was called “Decoration Day” back in 1868, as a memorial to those fallen in the Civil War.  Union and Confederate groups celebrated different holidays on different days.  The two came together in the early 20th century as Memorial Day to celebrate those that had died while serving.  Veterans Day, in November, celebrates all veterans that have served and has its origins following World War I, the “Great War.”

Today, as with many holidays, the meaning and origins get lost as most of us look forward to a day off from work and school.  There will be a lot of celebration here in Bishop for the 47th Annual Mules Days that takes over the entire town located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

Sherry and I begin our part of the Inyo Council of Arts four-day show in Bishop Park.  We hope you have a great holiday and remember those that have died while serving in our country’s military, “the land of the free and home of the brave.”

Saturday at 10 AM US Highway 395 becomes an almost endless flow of mules, people and things – mostly pulled by mules!  Our booth in the park is near the street and we can see much of the parade.  People reserve their space along the parade route days ahead with folding chairs.

This weekend there are thousands of people in this town of less than 4,000.  Bishop owes its name to the Bishop Creek that flows out of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.  Bishop was the name of an early settler in the area.  We are enjoying our time in Bishop Park and look forward to the parade.

Breeding was serious business of donkeys and horses resulting in a mule years ago.  Today it is four-legged fun, food, festival, music and art.  Inyo Council for the Arts hosts an art in the park event that draws a hundred artisans.  The city park is transformed into a huge art show for four days.  Friday through Monday Sherry and I will be displaying and selling ours.

It’s not too late to plan a trip to Bishop.  But, be prepared for all accommodations to be sold out in Bishop and the nearby area.  The official Mule Days website gives the full festivity details and alternate lodging option.  We enjoy this venue so much that we had reserved our space one year ago! Hope to see you there!