Serving the High Plains

Chuck wagon cook-off starts Thursday

People will have a chance to enjoy the smell, taste and feel of the Old West this weekend as several teams compete at the 17th annual chuck wagon cook-off at Ute Lake State Park in Logan.

Cowboys and cowgirls from around the state and Texas will be looking to woo the judges and the crowds using just their culinary expertise with cast iron skillets and Dutch ovens and the charms of their authentic chuck wagons.

"This event continues to grow in popularity each year," said Sharon Reid, coordinator.

The cook off will be held Thursday-Sunday at Ute Lake State Park in Logan.

Reid said one of the main draws of the event are the chuck wagons that are adorned with amenities from the Old West, including Brooder lamps, six-shooters and granite-ware cups and plates. She said people can socialize with the members of the chuck wagon teams while taking a step back into the pioneer days.

Reid said the event, sponsored by the Canadian River Renegades, raises money that is used for sponsoring college scholarships for local students. She said last year's event drew more than 300 people to the campground area near the beach at Ute Lake, where the trees provided a windbreak and shade for competitors and visitors.

Each year, the chuck wagons compete in cooking a meal in cast-iron skillets and Dutch ovens over a campfire. The entries, chicken fried steaks, potatoes, beans, biscuits or roll and apple cobbler are blind judged with the top five wagons in each food category receiving cash prizes.

The wagons also were judged on their Old West authenticity.

Reid said tickets are sold for $15 per meal from the chuck wagons on Saturday and breakfast on Sunday.

For information on tickets, contact Bucky Stone 575-403-7680 or Sharon Reid 575-403-8320.