29th Annual Lincoln County Cowboy Symposium

Each year, during the second full weekend in October, Ruidoso Downs, New Mexico plays host to the nation's finest cowboy festival with old west storytellers, musicians (including the world famous Texas Playboys), western artists and craftsmen for three days of events, cowboy competitions, horse demonstrations, western swing dancing, kids rodeo and educational activities. One of the highlights of the Symposium is the World Championship Chuckwagon Competition (featured on the Food Network's All American Festivals and Cowboy Challenge) with prizes totaling $13,000. Competitors are judged not only on their mouth-watering food, but on the authenticity of their wagons and attire.