The Biggest Outdoor Chuckwagon Showdown
Spectators from all over the country flocked to Clinton, Arkansas, for the highly anticipated National Championship Chuckwagon Race, held annually on Labor Day weekend at Dan and Peggy Eoff’s ranch in Van Buren County.
With a captivating history tracing back to the 1800s, chuckwagon racing was once a thrilling ending to cattle drives, where cowhands would speed into town and the last one to arrive bought the first round of drinks for the group. Today, the event has evolved into one of the largest outdoor equine events in the United States, showcasing not only the wagon racing but also horse/mule activities, concerts, camping, and even a cattle-drive themed bronc fanning competition.
The Eoffs first organized the event in 1986, initially as a small Labor Day party. However, the unexpected popularity led them to promote it across the state, and by the twentieth year, the event saw over 20,000 attendees cheering for 135 participating teams. The week-long festivities now feature five divisions of chuckwagon racing, a mule race, and Snowy River horseback race, offering something for everyone.
In the races, each team consists of a driver, a cook, and an outrider. The start is marked by the cook loading the wagon while the outrider prepares to mount a horse. The excitement spills over as the teams strive to cross the finish line with all required elements–driver, cook, tent, and stove–in place. Watching the events from the bluffs overlooking the track, the crowd is on the edge of their seats as the drama unfolds.
Looking beyond the races themselves, the event now includes live concerts with top country artists such as Lorrie Morgan, Lee Roy Parnell, Jake Worthington, Tyler Halverson, and Jake Hooker, adding to the festive atmosphere. Tickets are available at the gate, ranging from for adults to discounted prices for children ages 6-12.
Side Events and Attractions
- Concerts featuring renowned country artists
- Trail rides and horse/mule activities
- Mule and Snowy River horseback races
- Manufacturers’ and craft vendors at the site
- Camping for extended stays
This sporting spectacle in the heart of the Ozark Mountains promises an unforgettable experience of Western heritage and entertainment.