COMMUNITY

Lincoln County Cowboy Symposium brings tasty food, fun

Rita Greene
Ruidoso News
Mescalero Apache War Dancers attracted crowds at the Cowboy Symposium last weekend.

The dust has settled at the Ruidoso Downs Racetrack and the aroma of the mouth-watering cookoffs has gone away to return next year for another grand Lincoln County Cowboy Symposium.

The Friday to Sunday, Oct. 13-15, 2017 Symposium was filled with fun events for all ages with a highlight being the World Championship Chuck Wagon Competition—and the winner was: The Robertson Wagon for winning the 2018 World Championship Chuck wagon Cookoff and 1st Place Award for Overall Food.  The competitors were judged on the authenticity of their wagons and attire as well as the food.

As well as the great food at the chuck wagons, there were numerous food vendors selling funnel cakes, sausage on a stick, nachos, jumbo turkey legs, ribbon fries, kettle corn—just about any palette-pleasing goodies you may dream about.

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The entertainment was superb and if you thought you weren’t a fan of country and western music you may have discovered that you became one after listening to the sounds of the Flying J Wranglers, Jody Nix & the Texas Cowboys, Cowboys Unplugged, Neal McCowan & The Good Time Gang to name only some.

A big hit were the Borderland Pistoleros. Competitors with horsemanship and shooting skills shot black powder blanks at balloon targets using two Colt .45 six shooters.

There were also crowds at the Symposium around the Mescalero Apache War Dancers in their brilliant ceremonial dress colors. These spiritual prayer dances have been passed through generations for over 100 years.

Mule smiling for the camera at the 2017 Cowboy Symposium last weekend.

There were numerous tent vendors, many of which were selling unique items such as custom-made cowboy boots and hats, wearable art clothing, buckles and saddles, uniquely designed silver jewelry, painted pony creations, and many, many more.

Educational sections were available where you could learn historical facts about Fort Stanton and the Town of Lincoln and children were offered to participate in contests covering coloring, drawing, poetry and story writing.

If you missed the Lincoln County Cowboy Symposium this year, mark your calendar for next year—it will be returning to give you the opportunity to experience one of the best events in Lincoln County!