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Photo by Curtis Galbraith / EverythingGP staff
By Shaun Penner
Chuckwagon Season

WPCA racing season scheduled to start in Grande Prairie in May

Jan 18, 2021 | 10:40 AM

The World Professional Chuckwagon Association has put together its schedule for the 2021 season, which is slated to begin in Grande Prairie on May 26.

The WPCA says in a release that the five-day event at the Grande Prairie Stompede will kick off its season, and will culminate with the 2021 World Finals from August 25 and 29 at Century Downs Racetrack in Calgary.

The WPCA says the schedule for this year is intended to reduce the amount of travel, following a cancelled 2020 season due to COVID-19. Two notable changes to the schedule include new dates for the High River and Bonnyville events.

The High River show has moved from its traditional June dates to July 22nd through July 25th. The Bonnyville show is being moved from the usual mid-July to early June following the Grande Prairie Stompede.

The association says this will reduce travel by over 1,000 kilometres this year, which will lead to a reduction in fuel costs and expenses related to travel.

“I have one semi, one Mini Pete, and a one-tonne truck. Add on the people that travel to help and that’s another three trucks. The schedule change could save our team over $1,000.00,” said driver Kurt Bensmiller in the release.

“Travel has always been a hot topic for the WPCA. This adjusted schedule allows for a smoother flowing season without the cost of losing any of our shows.”

The optics for each show have yet to be determined, adds the WPCA, and will be subject to ever-changing COVID-19 restrictions.

The association adds it is working closely with the host committees and is planning for different scenarios to be prepared for whatever COVID-19 restrictions may be in place.

The 2021 WPCA Schedule is as follows:

  • Grande Prairie Stompede: May 26-May 30
  • Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championships: June 3-June 6
  • Saskatoon World Chuckwagon Races: June 10-June 13
  • Medicine Hat Exhibition and Stampede: June 17-June 20
  • Ponoka Stampede: June 29-July 4
  • Calgary Stampede: July 9-July 18
  • High River Races: July 22-July 25
  • Strathmore Stampede: July 30-August 2
  • Battle of the North, Dawson Creek: August 11-August 15
  • Battle of the Rockies, Rocky Mountain House: August 19-August 22
  • Century Downs World Finals, Calgary: August 25-August 29
by Shaun Penner