CLINTON, Arkansas — The National Chuckwagon Races have been held in Clinton, Ark. for the past 34 years and THV11’s Adam Bledsoe wanted to see about the hype.
Susan Weaver has been attending the chuckwagon races since she was a child and has volunteered with family for as long as she can remember.
Susan introduced Adam to the world of chuckwagon racing. The races take place on “Bar O F Ranch,” owned by Dan and Peggy Eoff (pronounced like loaf without the L).
Adam and Susan went on a tour of more than 1,000 acres where the festivities take place. Cowboys and cowgirls travel from far and wide with their wagons, horses, and campers in tow.
At the time of our tour, participants were just beginning to trickle in. Susan said by the time the races begin, there will be over 20,000 people flooding Clinton.
Richard McCormac, mayor of Clinton said the National Chuckwagon Races are huge to the local economy and hope to see the races continue for years to come.
Adam had the pleasure of riding 19-year-old Ruger, who stands at 17 hands (that’s tall in case you aren’t familiar).
Perry and Nikki Murdock, owners of Ruger, are legends in central Arkansas and to the chuckwagon races. Perry shared how the facilities at Bar O F Ranch are set to host a variety of activities like cowboy church on Sunday, concert venues spread throughout the grounds, and a rodeo arena for a variety of events.
The National Chuckwagon Races may not appeal to everyone, but it most definitely has something for everyone.