True Arkansans Would Never Miss These Epic Chuckwagon Races
If there could be one singular event that summed up life in Arkansas, the Chuckwagon Races would fit the bill. This long standing Arkansas tradition is a week-long extravaganza filed with talented riders and ropers, live entertainment, and one-of-a-kind family fun. The 33rd Annual National Championship Chuckwagon Races will be kicking off August 25th, 2018. Let’s see what
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The fields are mostly empty now but one of the largest gatherings in Arkansas will soon be underway.
Practice has already started for the National Championship Chuckwagon Race's opening ceremony. The 2018 event will begin on Saturday, August 25th at 8 am and last until Sunday, September 2nd.
The National Championship Chuckwagon Races came from humble beginnings in 1985.
33 years ago the owners of the Bar ōf Ranch in Clinton, Dan and Peggy Eoff, hosted a Labor Day weekend party. Dan came up with the idea of racing chuckwagons and that first year had eight teams competing for bragging rights.
Since then, the races have developed into the national championships.
Listen to live music nearly every night and fill up during the fish fry and BBQs. Educational clinics will be happening throughout the week as well as auctions, dances, trail rides, and a cowboy church on Sunday.
This is also the place to find just about every souvenir and southern knick-knack you'll ever need.
The Western Trade Show will be at the ranch with vendors selling everything from arts and crafts to saddles and tack. The Eoffs also own a fantastic shop, the Bar Of Western Store, that sits on 227 South Street of Hwy 65 in Clinton.
You could stay at one of the nearby motels, but camping out on the ranch is by far the most fun.
Camping, along with all of the events, is free of charge. You only need to pay the gate admission, which is $35 daily for adults, except Sunday the 2nd, which is $20. Children ages 6-12 are half-price.
We look forward to attending another fantastic week at the Chuckwagon Races.
We would love to hear about your Chuckwagon Races experience in the comments below! How many years have you taken your family to enjoy this unique event?
Arkansas native, Carol Ann Carson, has written for OnlyInYourState for three years now. She resides in Western Arkansas' Mountain Frontier but calls NWA home as well. The graduate of University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, Carol Ann earned her B.A. in English and will soon be pursing her M.A. in Library Science. She loves exploring the trails around the Buffalo National River and has yet to find a waterfall that wasn't her favorite.
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