Tim Keithley
Artesia Daily Press
Longtime Wranglers hang up their hats
The Flying J Ranch, the pinnacle of chuckwagon supper and western entertainment in Ruidoso since 1982, has closed operations, listed the property for sale and will not be offering nightly shows this summer, according to longtime owners James and Cindy Hobbs.
“We are ready to let it go,” James said. “It has been an incredible privilege for this to have been a part of our lives and are grateful to so many people that participated in the productions and been supportive of this business as a member of the audience.”
The property, known as “Bonito City” to adoring fans for western music, gunfights and hot biscuits, is a turnkey opportunity for whomever has a new vision for the property. It is complete with a 500-seat enclosed dinner theater, state-of-the-art performance stage, large kitchen, living quarters, wedding chapel, souvenir shops, RV spaces and so much more.
Putting a price tag on it: $1.95 million. However, the memories we’ve all shared watching Cindy’s “granny” antics and listening to the harmonies of the Hobbs family and many select musicians of the world-famous Flying J Wranglers on stage through the years: priceless.
“We’ve been retired long enough now to have cried our happy tears,” James said. “It was our personal identity for most all our adult lives, and Cindy and I have spent practically every Memorial Day through Labor Day performing six nights a week. Our family is in full agreement that it is time for this property to begin a new era with a new owner.”
James and Cindy passed the management duties for the property over to their daughter and son-in-law Mickey and Emily Bakas seven years ago. He said the couple made many positive financial strides in the company by creating and producing a Christmas season of lights and shows that widened the length of the season while producing additional revenue. Both musicians, Mickey and Emily performed on stage as well. The couple recently moved with their children to Estes Park, Colorado, to be closer to Mickey’s family.
“Mickey and Emily did an incredible job managing the Flying J despite the unfortunate circumstances of a pandemic, fires and floods,” Hobbs said. The property would not be in its present pristine condition without their hard work and management.”
James, 72, said he understands how thousands of fans of the Flying J Ranch might feel sad losing this special venue that will be a mantelpiece in the history of Ruidoso. Enjoying the music and laughter with friends and family has been part of our summer traditions. The Flying J Wranglers and the many talented musicians who performed there over the years will always live in our hearts.
Ruidoso may never see another couple like James and Cindy. They have been human billboards and public ambassadors to this town for the past 44 years. They deserve a long and beautiful retirement. James and Cindy gave us “Song for New Mexico” – a treasure – plus so many other incredible and personal tunes that we will listen to until the end of our days.
Plus, if nothing else, they always taught all of us exactly what is meant by the phrase, “No Beans!”
Artesia Daily Press columnist Tim Keithley writes about the people and events in the community. If you have a story idea, contact Tim at tkeithley@zianet.com.
