A 19th century cowboy transplanted to the present day would probably be perplexed by the modern world's
high-tech marvels. But he'd still feel right at home at a chuckwagon roundup.
That old school cowboy would feel right at home in Amarillo June 6 - 8.
Amarillo is home to the super bowl of chuckwagon gatherings.
Since 1988, the best shuckwagon cooks have been vying for world championship status at Cowboy Roundup USA* at the
Tri-State fairgrounds.
It isn't often Amarillo crowns a world champion, and this is the opportunity to see the best of the best
authentic chuckwagons in the world. Cooks and cowboys from all over will converge on Amarillo to compete on a grand stage.
The event features some 40 chuckwagons from ranches across the country.
Cooks and cowboys will be welcomed to Amarillo at the Coors chuckwagon for a prime rib dinner served by the
famed Coors Cowboy Club on Thursday evening at 7:00pm.
Chuck wagon judges will examine each wagon and camp for authenticity on Friday. Wagons will be scored in several categories
and placed according to their points received. The wagon and camp scores will constitute 50% of the total.
Friday evening will make way for "A Taste of Amarillo's Heritage" coupled with a "Chamber After Hours" gathering.
The public is invited to attend for a sampling of food and fun. Cowboy singers and pickers will entertain on stage at the new
open air pavilion on the fairgrounds. The American Quarter Horse Association chuckwagon will serve up their award winning calf fries for your enjoyment.
Everyone can taste different flavors of ice cream hand cranked by each wagon.
Before dawn Saturday morning mesquite wood fires will fill the air with an unbelievable aroma of history in the making.
It is well known that Charles Goodnight, an Amarillo area rancher, outfitted the first chuckwagon with cooking gear to be used on cattle drives.
Cowboy cooks will busy themselves preparing sourdough biscuits, pan fried steak, potatoes, and beans, topped off with dutch oven cobbler for the food judging 50% portion of the total score.
Food judges will award points based on flavor and appearance of each item.
At noon the public will be invited to dine at the wagons for a tast of our heritage.
Saturday will be filled with demonstrations by dutch oven cooks, chuckwagon restorers, saddle, boot and spur makers,
horse shoers, junior ropers, horsemanship competitions, junior cooks, rib smokers, and cowboy music.
A rancher of the year will be selected from nominees and honored at a press conference.
The Texas Premier Western Vendor Show and Sale will offer cowboy gear, leather goods, handmade jewelry, boots, saddles, bits & spurs,
clothing, furniture, art and all types of surprises for the Christmas in June shopper.
Saturday evening, fiddles and steel guitars will tune up for a western swing dance that is open to the public.
Sunday morning cooks will prepare a chuckwagon breakfast for Cowboy Church goers.
While the life of a cowboy has changed quite dramatically since the time of Charlie Goodnight, the nature of the man who is a
real cowboy remains much the same.
Cowboy Roundup USA hopes to honor these men who are dedicated to a way of life that often affords only small to moderate financial gain.
Rather, cowboys are grateful to live a simple life of hard work, fresh air and family.
Cowboy Roundup USA, celebrating its twenty-first year, is dedicated to preserving the ranching heritage of Amarillo and the
Texas Panhandle. The event endeavors to educate the general public in the spirit of our Ranching ancestry and the
lifestyle of the great American cowboy. Everybody Loves a Cowboy.
So, come celebrate with us on June 6th thru 8th, 2008.
