New owners circling the wagons for continued improvement.
Owners Ryan and Leila Glass purchased the property more than a year ago from longtime owner Lory Mabery and her family.
Expansion involved developing acreage on the east side of the property to include activities such as a nine-hole putt-putt golf course, a rock-climbing wall, a bungee jumping pad, a Gelleyball paintball field, a remote-control car racing track and a bounce house.
The spring Be Wild event included two days of activities in April, culminating with a chuckwagon cowboy dinner, complete with the Blazin’ M Ramblers and their live musical entertainment in the large climate-controlled barn.
“We retained the same legacy the family had over the years: family-friendly, wholesome entertainment that would embarrass no one,” said Ryan Glass. “Those large crowds the show attracted over the years had a positive economic impact.”
Even so, Glass said the pandemic made it difficult to attract visitors and audiences back to the ranch. “COVID shut Blazin’ M down for 18 months. We have to regain attention of the larger ‘out there’ public. We only took ownership a little over a year ago, so you can imagine the intensity of our planning for a new program and new marketing strategy.”
Glass complimented the Town of Cottonwood and local chambers of commerce for their support as the operation has experienced more customers, including visitors from out of state.
”This was a fun place to discover,” said Kelly and Keven Karenski from Kalama, Washington. “Great saloon and drinks, super chuck wagon and lots of enjoyable country music.”
“We flew out to Arizona to see some of my family. We heard about Blazin’ M. We’ve sure got nothing like it back home. We’ll return,” said Terry Rippetoe of Liberal, Kansas.
Lindy Heitschmitt from Forgan, Oklahoma said, “I’d heard about this area and the nearby Red Rock Country. I’m so glad we’re here. I’ll want to see it again.”
Improvements to come include an addition of 30 full-sized Conestoga wagons, made popular during the land rush days in the West and Southwest.
“As soon as approval is granted by the Town of Cottonwood, we’re finishing installing the utility lines and literally circle the wagons at the south end of our eight-and-a-half acres to create a comfortable campsite. The U.S.-manufactured Conestogas will be fully equipped – big bed, bathroom, shower and more. Some can accommodate up to four people. We’ll also have three yurts – circular tents made out of felt or fabric like the Mongolians use. They’ll all be ADA-accessible,” said Glass.
Another addition will be a wedding area: 4,000-square-feet of manicured property.
The additions are designed to enhance existing attractions, including the Copper Spur Saloon, Red Garter Olde Tyme Photo Studio, Wood ’n West Galley, gifts shops, shooting gallery, mechanical bull and old-fashioned wagon ride, pulled by a vintage tractor.
To handle the growth, the Glasses have hired about 30 people to work at Blazin‘ M, many from the Verde Valley, Sedona, Prescott Valley and Prescott areas. Some of the musicians have professional experience from major entertainment centers in Hollywood and Las Vegas. FBN
By Ray Newton, FBN
For more information, contact the Blazin’ M. Ranch at 928-634-0334 or visit
blazinm.com.
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