Chuckwagon Race Tentative Schedule for 2009

WHAT'S NEW FOR 2009

A new top for the bleachers at the arena has just been finished, which should make watching events at the arena more pleasant in the afternoons. With all the gas drilling and pipeline activities in our area, there are many new trails for folks to ride on.

We will have a Calcutta for the Buckboard and Classic Divisions Friday evening at 7:30 at the Hotel. This will give you a chance to watch one day of races to pick your team.

New for this year will be a gaited horse clinic. The clinic will be Thursday at 12 noon at the Covered Arena. Paul Morrell of Elm Grove, Louisiana will be the clinician and will answer questions and address problems you may be having with your gaited horse. This will also be an opportunity for those who are not familiar with gaited horses to learn about them.

Wednesday evening at 8:00 p.m. we will have "Battle of the Bands" chuckwagon style. We will accept the first 10 groups that apply-they will have a 10-minute time limit and will be judged by a panel of people in the entertainment sector.

Three places will be paid-3rd place will win $100, 2nd place $250, and the winner will receive $500 and will be the opening act for Joe Diffee on Thursday night.

To enter, you must call and speak with Peggy. Daytime 501 745 8407 Nights 501 745 5250. Again, only 10 acts will be accepted.

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The National Championship Chuckwagon Races are held Friday through Sunday every Labor Day Weekend at the Of Ranch in Clinton, Arkansas. An estimated one hundred fifty teams compete in five different divisions for the title of National Champion.

An estimated 20,000 plus people will be on hand to watch the excitement of chuckwagon racing, bronc fanning and the Snowy River Race - a thrilling horse race that includes two downhill runs and a plunge into the river.

In addition to the three performances, bands perform after the races and dances are held Friday and Saturday nights. Vendors of western collectibles, crafts, art, saddles and tack are set up throughout the weekend at the Western Trade Show. Four Ozark Mountain trail rides, beginning on Tuesday, are also included as part of the weekend's festivities.

The National Championship winners in each division take home silver belt buckles and share in over $20,000 in prizes that includes saddles, jackets and "Chuckwagon Bucks"- prize money that can be spent at the Trade Show after the races.

"The "Great Wagon Race" song by Junior Thomas.