Each spring, a large crowd gathers at the Chisholm Trail Museum to take part in the annual Chuck Wagon Gathering which was recently awarded one of the American Chuck Wagon Association’s top awards for 2022.

In November, CTM Executive Director Jason Harris traveled to Dodge City, Kan., to accept the ACWA Best Event of the Year Award at its annual meeting.

To receive the award an event must be nominated by participating wagons and demonstrate organizational success, dedicated planning and the opportunity for public engagement, Harris said.

Traveling around the state each year, CTM staff provide living history programs at schools, participate in community events and help with chuck wagons across Oklahoma and the region.

“This year, we are on track to engage with more than 25,000 students and adults demonstrating historical cooking, cowboy culture and more,” Harris said.

In March, the museum hosts its own Chuck Wagon Gathering which draws more than 2,000 visitors to Kingfisher to observe 10 chuck wagons in action.

More than just cooking, the event features live music, living history demonstrations, longhorns and more as well as provides visitors with the chance to step back in time.

Wagons for the event travel from across the region and provide a variety of food samples for visitors from beans and biscuits to hot pies and cobbler.

“Each year the annual festival continues to grow and is quickly turning into one of the largest wagon gatherings in the state,” Harris added.

More than a job for Harris, living history and chuck wagon cooking are a family affair.

With his son, Jonathan, and daughter, Maggie, often helping him and others at events across Oklahoma, Harris said the pair are well known for their hard work, delicious pies and friendly personalities.

“Living history events help kids get a glimpse of the experiences of others who have come before them and also understand they can connect with history in ways other than reading books or watching movies,” he said.

Recognized at the ACWA annual meeting, both Jonathan and Maggie were nominated to receive The Young Coosie Award this year, which is only the second time the award has been given to two recipients.

The award is given in recognition of youth who demonstrate a grasp of chuck wagon history and an admirable ability and dedication to chuck wagon cooking.

It’s rewarding to see his children recognized for their hard work and participation in historical events, Harris said.

Also honored to receive the ACWA Best Event of the Year, Harris said, “It brings recognition to our museum as a leader in chuck wagon events across the country as well as its involvement in community engagement through programming for the public.”

To learn more about chuck wagon cooking and its role in the American West, make plans now to attend the museum’s annual Chuck Wagon Gathering on March 25, 2023, Harris said.

The event is free and runs from 10 a.m to 3 p.m., where visitors can try a variety of food samples, enjoy live music, catch a wild west side show and more.

Additionally, those interested in helping support CTM’s extensive outreach living history programs to schools across the state, can contact Harris at 405-375-5176 or www.ctokmuseum. org.

Located at 605 Zellers Ave., Chisholm Trail Museum’s regular hours of operation are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.