Mule Jump draws near

— As the 21st annual Pea Ridge Mule Jump draws near, the planning committee met Tuesday night, Sept. 29, to iron out remaining details.

Area newspapers, including Kansas City, Mo., Tulsa, Okla., and more, have been notified of the upcoming event, according to committee members. All Arkansas state representatives and senators have also been invited.

“It’s better they know and at least have an invite,” said Donna Hamilton of Image Builders, the public relations firm hired to promote the event. Hamilton has arranged for the Mule Jump to be advertised on television, the radio, in newspapers, by widely distributed flyers and in various other publications.

The AAA TourBooks GEM attractions will feature this event and it’s even possible to draw the attention of the Guinness Book of World Records, Hamilton said.

“With 21 years, you can’t ignore this,” said Hamilton.

The few remaining issues discussed included volunteers needed to staff the souvenir booth and making sure the timer will be tested and working properly before the event.

Several community organizations are working together to run the 21st annual Mule Jump including the Pea Ridge Optimist Club, the Pea Ridge Women’s Business Association, local 4H clubs and various student organizations. Nathan See, employee of the city’s Street Department, is the chairman of the committee which includes two city councilmen.

The Mule Jump will be held beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, at Pea Ridge High School. Admission is $5 for adults and $2 for children 6-12. Children 5 and under free.

News, Pages 1 on 10/07/2009