19th Annual
Lincoln County Cowboy Symposium
October 10, 11, and 12, 2008
Finest cowboy poets, musicians
Each year, during the second full weekend in October, Ruidoso Downs, New Mexico plays host to the nation's finest cowboy poets, musicians (including the world famous Texas Playboys), chuckwagon cooks, western artists and craftsmen for three days of events, competitions, and workshops. In 1996, the symposium was selected as the Best Cowboy Cultural Event by the National Cowboy Symposium Association. In addition, the LCCS has been named one of North America's top 100 events by the American Bus Association.
World's Richest Chuckwagon Cook-off
 Chuckwagons serve up the best food! |
One of the highlights of the Symposium is the world's richest chuckwagon cook-off (featured on the Food Network's All American Festivals) with prizes totaling $12,000. Competitors are judged not only on their mouth-watering food, but on the authenticity of their wagons and attire.
Plenty To Do
 Craig Cameron - Master Horseman gives horsemanship instruction. |
The Symposium also features demonstrations of many different types of horse related activities including: horsemanship with Craig Cameron, shooting demonstrations by the Chisum Trail Shooters, roping, and blacksmithing, along with booths brimming with western arts and crafts. The Symposium also has plenty of things for kids to do including competitions of dummy roping, stick horse barrel racing, goat roping and a goat/sheep scramble. With all there is to do, the authentic cowboy music and poetry is still the star of the Symposium. This is where all things “cowboy” are celebrated.
Leon Rausch, Tommy Allsup & the Texas Playboys
 The Texas Playboys get the tent rockin'! |
Each year, there's a Thursday night concert with Leon Rausch & the Texas Playboys featuring Tommy Allsup. This year, 2008, will feature the legendary Asleep at the Wheel and the amazing Quebe Sisters Band.
Friday and Satuday Night Dances
Western Swing is still the King -- and nowhere is that more evident than our Friday and Saturday night dances. The dances feature the Texas Playboys, Tommy Allsup, Leon Rausch, Justin Trevino, Billy Mata, Ginny Mac, Bobby Flores and many more great entertainers. Sometimes there is a surprise guest to join forces to get the crowd swingin' to the liveliest music west of the Mississippi! Tickets are only $15.00
Additional performers during the symposium will include Justin Trevino, Bobby Flores, Flying J Wranglers, Kip Callahan, Billy Mata, Ginny Mac, Floyd Domino, and many many more!
Cooking Demonstrations
 C. W. loves to cook and tell stories. |
C.W. "Butch" Welch, a
native Idahoan, served twenty-one years as a Conservation Officer for the Idaho
Department of Fish & Game. In the course of his career he was assigned to
various duty stations around the beautiful Gem State. In 1994 the Shikar Safari
Club International recognized Welch as Idaho's "Wildlife Officer of the Year"
for his meritorious service in the field of wildlife conservation and law
enforcement!
Cee Dub's stories and recipes come from his years in the back country, both in
the line of duty as well as in the "line of fun".
Sunday Activities
Sunday admission is now free with performances by gospel artists including
the Good News Band, Jimmy Burson, Rev. Charles Clary and more. Music continues
on all stages and demonstration areas remain open.
Experience awesome scenery and God's word on the Sunday Saddle Sermon Trail
Ride. There is no charge for this ride. Bring your own horse or
rent one. Call 575.808-1769 to register.
