The action is going to be more intense and wild as the World Professional Chuckwagon Races descend on the Bonnyville Rodeo Grounds for the fourth annual event this coming weekend.
With extensive renovations to the local facility, which will allow for heats featuring four teams instead of three, the action and intensity promises to be better than ever before, said Tina Michaud, chair of the Bonnyville Chuckwagon Committee, which is part of the Bonnyville Pro Rodeo and Chuckwagon Association (BPRCA).
“We've had a lot of changes to the infield at the rodeo grounds, which will allow us to run four wagons per race, instead of three, so obviously that's going to make a significant difference,” said Michaud. “Chuckwagon racing has been called organized chaos so the action is going to be even wilder and more exciting with the expansion of the racing facility.
“I know everyone I've talked to is really excited about us expanding the races to four wagons from three … it should really make a difference for the enjoyment of the competitors and the fans.”
The Bonnyville Professional Chuckwagon Races will feature all 36 drivers who compete on the World Professional Chuckwagon Association circuit from May until September.
Over the past several weeks since the Bonnyville Pro Rodeo left town, crews have been working hard to make the dramatic renovations to the rodeo grounds in preparation for the professional chuckwagon event — which kicks off Thursday evening and continues until Sunday evening, said Michaud.
“Our new infield is now the same size used as the one at the Calgary Stampede,” she said. “It has been a goal since we first started the pro chuckwagon races in Bonnyville four years ago to make these changes and we're all very excited because it's going to make for an even bigger spectacle and better racing.”
Longtime volunteer Randy Batke and his crew have done a fantastic job of doing the renovations on site, said Michaud.
“Randy pours his blood, sweat and tears into helping us organize this event and he and his crew have been working hard since the end of May to get the grounds ready for the chuckwagon races,” she said. “He's done a fantastic job.”
The annual Cowboy Gala organized by the BPRCA raises significant funds and a lot of the money raised has allowed for the renovations to the rodeo grounds, she said.
The half-mile track the professional drivers use once they find their way around the barrels in the infield is in terrific shape heading into this weekend's races, said Michaud.
Michaud said the professional chuckwagon races have become one of the most anticipated community events of the year in Bonnyville.
“We average about 2,500 fans per day if the weather co-operates, which is a pretty big deal for a town this size,” she said. “Chuckwagon racing is very much a sport created here in smalltown Alberta and it's hugely popular across the province and it's no different here in Bonnyville.
“It's called 80 seconds of chaos and just an amazing sport to watch live. I like nothing better than looking at the faces of people who have never seen professional chuckwagon racing before to see the look of exhilaration and excitement they have. That's always a thrill.”
Advance ticket sales for the 2011 races have been solid and remain on sale at the Centennial Centre. Tickets are $15 per day for adults, $10 per day for seniors and students (under 18). All children ages six and under get into the event free of charge.
While the horses, drivers and outriders will be centre stage throughout the weekend, there will be plenty of other family entertainment throughout the weekend.
Pre-show entertainment will be provided by the Canadian Mounted Shooters and Global FMX Motocross teams from Thursday to Saturday. The Canadian Mounted Shooters will return for the pre-show Sunday afternoon at 1:15 p.m., along with a stock dog demonstration, featuring Pat Lawrence.
Gates open at 5 p.m. Thursday to Saturday with races starting at 7:15 p.m. Gates open at 12:30 p.m. Sunday, with the final day of races commencing at 2:15 p.m.
