Festival of the West's Chuck Wagon Cook Off Proves Successful

Two huge exhibit tents and a field of mountain men, traders and chuck wagons provided a unique experience for spectators and particiapants

Scottsdale, AZ. - The 11th annual National Festival of the West presented by Ford Trucks was held March 15th-18th, 2001 and once again proved to be successful. Giving spectators a glimpse of the history and romance of the American West, the festival entertained nearly 50,000 happy guests this year. And the new venue at WestWorld in Scottsdale proved to be "one of the best decisions we've ever made," says promoter Mary Brown.

The setting itself conjured up images of the old West with plenty of grassy area and an almost secluded feeling. "The decision to move was a difficult one," says Brown, "but I think it was a good one." This year's festival took plenty of extra planning, but it all paid off when spectators came through the stockade style gates and entered into the 1880s.

If there were any really big winners at this year's Festival of the West, it was the spectators, who were treated to a flood of western culture, including the famous Chuck Wagon Cook Off. Wagons and cooks coming from as far as Texas and Oklahoma, provided plenty of color, culture and an authentic "taste" of the old west. The Saturday event drew thousands of onlookers who were amazed at what delicious food could be conjured up in a Dutch oven. The overall winner of the event was Doc Lawrence's crew from Collbran, CO. This was especially sweet for Doc since he had just undergone bypass surgery and this was his first post operative cook off! Second Place went to Kern Mattei with Mule Creek from Capitan, New Mexico and the Best Wagon and Camp award went to Bar W Cow Camp of Rosenburge, Texas. Most coveted of all the awards is the Charlie Goodnight Award, given to the most friendly camp. A trophy and silver buckle went to Dave McDowell of Biscuit Flats, Arizona.

All the chuck wagon cooks were pleased with the new location at WestWorld. "This is a terrific place," said contestant Joe Bob Leake. "We sure like being on the grass and having this wonderful atmosphere." Why, on Saturday, a few chuck wagon cooks took advantage of a nearby pond and had bathtub races - a true spectator event with plenty of splashing water and laughter to match!