High gas prices and recent floods may have affected attendance at the annual Jake Clark’s Mule Days celebration last weekend, according to organizer Kay Clark, but it didn’t affect prices paid for top mules.

Two mules tied for the highest price paid during the auction, with both selling for $52,000. Tin Man, a 6-year-old grey horse mule sold by Bryan Mahoney, and Rose, a 9-year-old red roan mare sold by Shawn and Nellie Petersen brought in the highest bids. 

Flower, a 9-year-old mare sold by Scott Kincheloe, sold for $48,000, and Pairadice’s Rooster, an 11-year-old male sold by Loren Basham, sold for $34,000.

Fewer mules were included in the sale this year than in previous years, with 56 selling. Yet the average sale prices and grand total sales figures were basically the same as recent larger auctions. In 2020, for example, 77 mules sold in the auction. But this year’s total revenue was the same, Clark said.

The average sale price of adult mules in this year’s sale was more than $15,000. About one-third of the top bids came from online clients this year. 

Clark said the high price of fuel and local flooding issues resulted in fewer people attending this year.

Clark is frustrated by the price of fuel. 

“People in the East have no clue what we’re doing here in the West,” she said. “We don’t have short commutes. And we drive big trucks pulling heavy trailers.”

The auction was forced online in 2020 due to COVID-19 social distancing requirements. Some have found it easier to attend the auction online and the number of those turning to the internet to participate seems to be increasing. 

Regardless of the attendance method, Clark said they try hard to make the celebration successful for everyone.

“We do everything we can to make it work for both parties, whether the buyer is here or online,” Clark said.

Rodeo results:

Team Sorting

1st, Clayton McCarley; 2nd, Mark Bailey; 3rd, Homero Lopez

Barrel Racing

1st, Jennifer Bailey; 2nd, Virginia Lohr

Youth Barrel Racing

1st, Gage Griffin; 2nd, Coyle Cobb

Saddle Mule Race

1st, Bobbie Nelson; 2nd, Keaton Phillips

Steer Riding

1st, Kasen Asay; 2nd, Jayce Lejeune                                                   

Steer Riding

1st, Mark Bailey

Ribbon Roping team

1st, Mark Bailey, Tripp Mobley, Linda Bailey; 2nd, Levi King, Hunter Wells, Sidney Wells

Pole Bending

1st, Jennifer Bailey

Wild Cow Riding

1st, Caden Gines; 2nd (tie), Kyle Cheney and Easton Bowers

Wild Cow Milking team

1st, Levi King, Hunter Wells, Russ Driscoll

Junior Poles

1st, Coyle Cobb; 2nd, Gage Griffin

Team Roping

1st, Levi King, header, Clayton McCarley, heeler; 2nd, Easton Bowers, header, Nathan Ruth, heeler

Hide Race

1st, Jason and Gage Griffin; 2nd, Mark Bailey and Tripp Mobley

Wild Ride

1st, Pacen Zeller; 2nd (tie), Tripp Mobley and Buster Campbell

Overall rodeo champion

Mark Bailey