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Ruidoso Calendar — CHUCK WAGON COOK-OFF

Lincoln County Cowboy Symposium and Chuck Wagon Cook-off

The finest cowboy poets, artists and musicians descend upon Ruidoso Downs every fall During the second full weekend every October, Ruidoso Downs, New Mexico plays host to the nation's finest cowboy poets, musicians, including the world famous Texas Playboys, chuck wagon cooks, western artists and craftsmen for a incomparable three day event … The Lincoln County Cowboy Symposium. Great competitions and workshops are held as well.

In 1996, the symposium was selected as the Best Cowboy Cultural Event by the National Cowboy Symposium Association. In addition, the Lincoln County Cowboy Symposium has been named one of North America's top 100 events by the American Bus Association. One of the highlights of the Symposium is the world's richest chuckwagon cook-off as featured on the Food Network's All American Festivals series. With prizes totaling $10,000, competitors are judged by both their mouth-watering camp style food and the authenticity of their presentation including wagons and attire!

The Lincoln County Cowboy Symposium also features endless demonstrations including horsemanship with Craig Cameron, the real Horse Whisperer, roping and blacksmithing. Vendor booths brim with western arts and crafts and The Symposium has plenty for the kids to do including competition dummy roping, mutton bustin’, stick horse barrel racing, goat roping and a goat-sheep scramble.  But with all there is to do, the authentic cowboy music and poetry is still the star of the Symposium. This is where all things “cowboy” are celebrated.

Call (575) 378-4431 all year long for additional information and tickets.