CHUCK WAGON RACES TO BE HELD THIS WEEKEND

BLOOMFIELD -- Relive the days of the wild west this weekend during the second annual Chuck Wagon Races at Holly Ridge Ranch.

Horse and mule-drawn chuck wagons carrying three-person teams will compete in races Saturday and Sunday at the ranch just outside Bloomfield.

Chuck wagon racing is a fast-growing sport in many parts of the country, including Arkansas, Oklahoma and Louisiana, said ranch owner Carla Moore. Moore said the races in Stoddard County this weekend will be sanctioned by the Arkansas Chuck Wagon Racing Association.

"This sport originated at Cheyenne (Wyo.) Frontier Days," Moore said. She said that teams from Arkansas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and other western states are scheduled to attend the weekend event.

"I've had 60 teams already call in and as of Thursday morning the association in Arkansas reported 10 or 12 more may be coming," Moore said. "It's going to be something."

Each team will consist of three individuals - a driver, cook and outrider. Two horses or mules will pull the wagon.

"These little horses get out and run in the sun," Moore said. "So they have to be up to par to be able to handle it."

In addition to the wagon races, horses races are also on tap for the weekend. Wagon races will feature 46-inch mules and ponies, 52-inch mules and ponies, and then categories for big horses, big mules, buckboard and classic wagon.

The horse races, which will run throughout the weekend, will feature Pony Express-style races as well as women-only and rough rider races.

A rodeo is slated for Saturday evening, beginning at 7. A dance will follow.

The Holly Ridge Ranch is located just outside Bloomfield. Admission of $8 per day for adults, $3 for children ages 6-12 will be charged.

The Holly Ridge Ranch is located in a natural valley, so Moore reports visitors bring their lawn chairs and blankets to watch the events.

"It's good, clean family entertainment," Moore commented. "The whole family can get involved."