Mule Jump canceled

For the first time in its 26-year history, the Pea Ridge Mule Jump was canceled.

"Due to torrential rain and flooding, the arena area is not usable," Nathan See, chairman of the Mule Jump, said. "It was muddy last year; we had rain the night before and the morning of."

See said all the parking areas were "ponds."

There was 3.15 inches of rain that fell on Pea Ridge in the 24 hours before the mule jump. According to Bill Ryan, local meterologist, 7.82 inches of rain has fallen this month. Ryan said the average for October is 4.33" and the record for October is 10.69" which was recorded in 2009 at the Fayetteville weather station.

"We are notifying all contestants by e-mail, Facebook and phone calls," See said, adding that Sue Elverston, long a supporter of the Mule Jump, called the contestants.

"We will give refunds to all sponsors and vendors," See said.

Mule Jump T-shirts and hats are for sale; they are available at City Hall.

See said rescheduling was difficult because many mule owners have other events including chuck wagon events, mule shows and mule rodeos to which they're committed.

"The mayor and I talked about it," See said, "and decided canceling was best instead of postponing."

The 2015 Mule Jump is scheduled for the second Saturday in October.