If you’re looking for some good, old fashioned fun and excitement, look no further than the 33rd annual National Championship Chuckwagon Races, in Clinton AR!
Chuckwagon racing got its official start as a spectator sport at the 1923 Calgary Stampede. The U.S. National Championship Chuckwagon Races, on the other hand, have been a Labor Day weekend tradition in Clinton, AR since 1986.
In case you’ve never seen a Western themed movie, a “chuckwagon” is a covered wagon that serves a field kitchen. Chuckwagons were often included in pioneering wagon trains, cattle drives, and other forms of mobile labor.
Chuckwagon races typically involve three or four teams competing on a set track. Teams are composed of a driver commanding a team of horses from a chuckwagon, plus 2 to 4 outriders.
The World’s Largest Chuckwagon Race
Calgary may have bragging rights to the first and continually most famous chuckwagon races – but they’re not the biggest. That honor falls to the annual event held around every Labor Day weekend, at the Bar o f Ranch in Clinton, AR.
Every year, around 150 teams attend to compete, drawing a crowd of some 20,000 spectators. Teams compete in 5 different divisions: Oklahoma Land Rush, Four Up Mules, Buckboard, Big Mules, and Classic. Division champions earn silver buckles and a share of over $25,000 in cash and prizes!
Despite the name, the Championship Chuckwagon Races also include other arena events. Bull riding, bronc busting, barrel racing, roping, and more are also on the schedule.
The schedule also includes a variety of special events, like trail rides, karaoke nights, a fish fry, and Western Trade show. The National Championship Chuckwagon Races also includes live music from regional and national talent.
This year’s headliners are Asleep At The Wheel. Other bands at the event Band of Heathens, Mark Wills, and Garry Ash.
Learn more with a peek at the 2019 schedule.
2019 National Championship Chuckwagon Races
August 24th through September 1st, 2019
Eoff Ranch Main Gate – 2484 Shake Rag Road, Clinton, AR
Visit chuckwagonraces.com for more information. You can also follow this event on Facebook.
Arkansas Lodging
As you can imagine, Clinton AR accommodations disappear rather rapidly as the chuckwagon races approach. If you plan to attend, now is the time to acquire your lodging – and no one does it better than an Arkansas Bed and Breakfast. Experience the best lodging you’ve ever had at a locally owned and operated Arkansas Inn!