Cowboy Symposium and Chuck Wagon Cook Off!

Saturday

The big day finally arrived, and we set out early to watch some of the cooking and see some demonstrations of horse training and maneuvering.

They start young!

So glad to have been some of the early attendees, as I had lots of opportunity for photos unencumbered by crowds, and we even had quite a chat with the wife of one of the  wagon cooks, which was very fun and informative.  This is the 24th annual, and the highest purse in the country for a cook off, and about 15 antique wagons were there, mostly from Texas it would seem, stoking fires and getting things cooking in preparation for judging, and feeding us!

All the wagons are provided with the same meat, potatoes, beans and a fruit, and given free reign as to preparations.  Cooking is done the old fashioned way, in dutch ovens and cook pans over open flame, and judging goes to food, wagon, costume, and authenticity.   Clem and I chose two different wagons, so that we could sample each others food, and we were anxious to do just that! 

 This young man was assisting what was probably Dad, and the shot provides a good look at the chuck box.

This woman was chief cook and owner of the 1919 wagon at JL Cattle Company, which was the wagon I was assigned to.  Her crew was great and chatted with us, and later asked me to let them know if I made them famous with all the photos I took! 

 The Dutch ovens require turning to keep the heat more even, and a little peak reveals what was to be my meal of tips in a rich gravy, that I was sure would be the winner of the day!  Clem's wagon produced chicken fried steak, one of his favorites!

                                                                   

I was totally enamored by this gentleman, obviously the chief bottle washer at his wagon. What a perfect look!  He could have stepped out of 1880!








                           

 I loved that this guy was rolling the biscuits, also prepared by each wagon.  I am a biscuit lover, so wish I could have sampled them from each wagon!

When I asked what he was cooking, this man replied, "got some chicken fried goin' on!"  

I enjoyed this look, rather than the cowboy dress, for the few women competing. 

 
While waiting for the food to cook we were entertained by a story teller, and harmonica lesson and playing, which was very good!

The hats are everywhere, and never leave their heads!  These gents were listening to the stories.

And my own personal prize for the absolute cutest  thing of the day was the miniature chuck wagon with these adorable children cooking up a storm!  And let me tell you, this little guy in his chaps and spurs, knew exactly what he was doing!  Rolling, sprinkling, patting......bet he turned out some pretty good biscuits!

Of course, a day on the wagon would not be complete without  some hot coffee and chat over the fire.....the equivalent of our modern day water cooler?