Wildlife West Chuckwagon Supper Season Opener An Unprecedented Success
by John Weckerle
Last Saturday marked the first Chuckwagon Supper of the season at Wildlife West Nature Park, and quite and night it was! Saturday’s dinner and entertainment event was attended by a record number of enthusiasts. “Typically, we have 50 or 60 people at the opening night,” said Park founder Roger Alink, “but this year we had 224 reservations.” As far as this writer could tell, a good time was had by all.
The food, served before the entertainment began, was plentiful and tasty. I had the vegetarian option (essentially, everything but the chicken and brisket plus a salad: make sure you inform the Park when you make your reservations), and was well impressed and very satisfied. The others in my party informed me that the chicken and brisket were also very tasty.
“Chuckwagon Supper” only partially describes the event, however. Entertainment included a puppet show performed by members of the New Mexico Youth Conservation Corps, with information on the Park’s animals and the scope of the Corps’ activities at the Park. Also featured was a bird of prey show with master falconer Tom Smylie of The Peregrine Fund with Wildlife West Bird Team members Michelle Fishburne and Michelle Richards – joined by two peregrine falcons.
The headliner of the evening was, of course, Syd Masters and the Swing Riders. This is good, family entertainment at its finest; Syd is a master entertainer (pun intended), and his band are musicians of the highest caliber. Their repertoire includes a blend of Western Classics like Red River Valley and Ghost Riders In The Sky combined with original tunes and liberal doses of humor and storytelling. If you’re a fan of Riders In The Sky and similar national acts, you’d do well to take the time and see Syd Masters and the Swing Riders at one or more of this summer’s Chuckwagon Suppers. Want to get a feel for what you’re in for? Check out Wildlife West’s Events Page and take a look at this photo slide show of this season’s opening night!