C OV E R S TO RY
UCM SETS
WORLD RECORD AT HOMECOMING 2021
On Oct. 23, 2021, in recognition of the university’s 150th celebration, UCM set the world record for the “Largest Ridden Parade of Mules.” A total of 50 volunteers came from across Missouri and neighboring states to ride their mules in the parade, which coincided with the state’s bicentennial celebration. With the mule being both the state animal and the university mascot, there was no shortage of enthusiasm from the community to help mark these anniversaries and achieve a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title!
The volunteer mule riders get a pep talk and hot coffee on the chilly morning of the parade.
Mule shoe tracks line the sidewalks for the historic Homecoming parade.
The youngest rider in the parade was 6-year-old Wyatt Wells, who came with his dad, Wesley Wells. Wesley rode J-Lo and Wyatt rode Gizmo.
The 50 mules ridden in the parade were a fitting tribute to the university’s 150th anniversary.
Billie and Darren Stewart ride their mules, Jordan and Elvis.
UCM’s official mule riders, Victoria Happy, left, riding Molly, and Holly Hagood, riding Mancow (aka Tammy), lead the parade down Holden Street. University of Central Missouri Magazine
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