Penticton is reaching the end of an era as the prepares to permanently close its doors following the September long weekend.
The night club first opened at 218 Martin St. 20 years ago.
The decision was not an easy one, but the right move for owner Bill Proznick, who purchased the club in 2000. He is proud of the changes and renovations The Mule underwent over the years under his ownership that lead to the establishment it is now.
鈥淲hen we first bought (it), it was mainly a country club. But, as our clientele shifted slightly, they wanted a mix of music. That was when we became 鈥楩amous for Smiles and Music of All Styles.鈥欌�� said Proznick. 鈥淚t was a great formula for many years. We could see all generations enjoying the nights together on the dance floor.鈥�
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Proznick recalls that the biggest changes at the club occurred in 2008 and 2009 when 鈥淒J鈥檚 became the popular thing in clubs.鈥� Though this new trend didn鈥檛 impede The Mule鈥檚 numerous live shows over the years.
鈥淔rom classic rock acts to country and to rock, we have done it all. Dr. Hook, Chilliwack, Trooper, Loverboy, Nazareth, Emerson Drive, George Canyon, Aaron Pritchett, Kenny Shields and Streetheart, Bif Naked, Colin James, Rumble 100 to mention a few 鈥� and even a night with Billy Bob Thorton and the Boxmasters,鈥� said Proznick.
鈥淲e had fun with the shows, although it became hard to compete with all the different music festivals so prevalent today.鈥�
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Proznick stated that while Penticton could still support a night club, he believes The Mule鈥檚 venue no longer suited the purpose. He thinks someone else will 鈥渟tep up鈥� with another dance club in the area for locals to enjoy.
鈥淲ith the closure of The Mule, although the business is still relevant, this building needed a new entity that could fully utilize its size and location. The mega-sized clubs of the past are no longer,鈥� said Proznick.
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With what will be taking The Mule鈥檚 place, Proznick stated 鈥渢he new venture is made up of mostly local individuals (and) investors with fresh ideas and energy鈥� who will 鈥渃reate a fantastic new destination for Downtown Penticton.鈥�
Jennifer Vincent, economic development specialist with the City of Penticton, said there 鈥渉as been a change in (the types) of businesses looking for opportunities within the city.鈥�
鈥淲e鈥檙e always sad to see a family-owned business that鈥檚 been around for two decades close its doors, but it does sound like there is an opportunity on the horizon that will add the to vibrancy of downtown in a new and refreshing way,鈥� said Vincent.
Still, Proznick would like to extend his thanks to those who made the nightclub such a success.
鈥淭o the thousands of patrons that stepped inside our room and the hundreds of staff members that joined our team over the years, we thank you all for your support and smiles. It has been a pleasure to have served our city,鈥� said Proznick.
Randy Farmer and DJ Roberto Styles will be performing at The Mule Aug. 31 and Sept. 1, respectively. The club will also be open for an open house from 4 to 10 p.m. on Sept. 2, which will feature a goodbye performance from Penticton鈥檚 own Rumble 100.
To report a typo, email: editor@pentictonwesternnews.com.
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