Organizers for Benson Mule Days are keeping a close watch of the weather as festivities are scheduled during a round of soaking rain and possible storms this weekend.
"We're taking it as it comes," Loretta Byrd, an organizer for the event and the Benson Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, said. "Sometimes we have to back up and punt and figure out what we're going to do last minute, but our town is already full of campers."
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Byrd spoke with WRAL's team of meteorologists Thursday in anticipation for the rain ahead.
After portions of the festival were flooded Thursday night, Byrd said organizers are planning to proceed with festivities Friday as planned, rain or shine. There will be a mule show, live music, vendors set up and a rodeo, along with a full lineup of events.
"[Friday] is what the Mule Days is all about," Byrd said.
On Saturday, when heavier rain is expected, organizers said they will make some adjustments. They are trying to move the Outlaws Band concert indoors.
“We’re having to get a building and flip it and get ready for that,” Byrd said.
Crews will assess the grounds ahead of Saturday’s rodeo.
The parade will run rain or shine.
“Just get your poncho and come on out,” she said. “Unless it’s thundering or lightning or hailing or it’s a monsoon, come out and enjoy the weekend with us.”
Money raised from the festival will go back to the community, so organizers are hopeful people will still come out regardless of the wet weather.
"It's a tradition for a lot of people," Byrd said. "It's just a big deal."
Byrd advises attendees going to the rodeo to be patient when leaving as traffic piles up.
WRAL is a proud media sponsor of the event. WRAL's Ken Smith is participating as a judge this weekend.