If there could be one singular event that summed up life in Arkansas, the Chuckwagon Races would fit the bill. This long standing Arkansas tradition is a week-long extravaganza filed with talented riders and ropers, live entertainment, and one-of-a-kind family fun. The 33rd Annual National Championship Chuckwagon Races will be kicking off August 25th, 2018. Let’s see what

The fields are mostly empty now but one of the largest gatherings in Arkansas will soon be underway.
Facebook/National Championship Chuckwagon Race
Practice has already started for the National Championship Chuckwagon Race's opening ceremony. The 2018 event will begin on Saturday, August 25th at 8 am and last until Sunday, September 2nd.
The National Championship Chuckwagon Races came from humble beginnings in 1985.
Facebook/National Championship Chuckwagon Race
33 years ago the owners of the Bar ōf Ranch in Clinton, Dan and Peggy Eoff, hosted a Labor Day weekend party. Dan came up with the idea of racing chuckwagons and that first year had eight teams competing for bragging rights.
Since then, the races have developed into the national championships.
YouTube/Clinton, AR Chuck Wagon Racing 2016
Now about 150 teams compete and the 9-day event draws up to 30,000 folks.
The chuckwagon races are the main feature of the event but by no means the only reason to attend.
YouTube/Clinton, AR Chuck Wagon Racing 2016
Competitions include bull riding, roping, barrel racing, sled pulls, bronc fanning, and others.

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Besides watching all the races, the event has a ton of family-friendly activities.
YouTube/Clinton, AR Chuck Wagon Racing 2016
Listen to live music nearly every night and fill up during the fish fry and BBQs. Educational clinics will be happening throughout the week as well as auctions, dances, trail rides, and a cowboy church on Sunday.
This is also the place to find just about every souvenir and southern knick-knack you'll ever need.
Facebook/National Championship Chuckwagon Race
The Western Trade Show will be at the ranch with vendors selling everything from arts and crafts to saddles and tack. The Eoffs also own a fantastic shop, the Bar Of Western Store, that sits on 227 South Street of Hwy 65 in Clinton.
You could stay at one of the nearby motels, but camping out on the ranch is by far the most fun.
YouTube/Clinton, AR Chuck Wagon Racing 2016
Camping, along with all of the events, is free of charge. You only need to pay the gate admission, which is $35 daily for adults, except Sunday the 2nd, which is $20. Children ages 6-12 are half-price.
We look forward to attending another fantastic week at the Chuckwagon Races.
Facebook/National Championship Chuckwagon Race
If this is your first year attending, you can bet it'll be your new favorite tradition.

To get an idea of what the Chuckwagon Races are, watch this promo video:

To see the full schedule and more details, follow their Facebook Event Page or visit their website.

We would love to hear about your Chuckwagon Races experience in the comments below! How many years have you taken your family to enjoy this unique event?

Clinton isn’t too far away from this picture-perfect waterfront town.

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