Following a banner year of chuckwagon action in Rocky Mountain House, the Battle of the Rockies organizing committee has been honoured with the World Professional Chuckwagon Association (WPCA) Committee of the Year Award.
Committee President Lillian Hay says, despite the group also winning in 2023, this year’s designation was a complete surprise.
She credits the committee’s efforts to involve the whole community — sponsors, not-for-profits, the town and county, among others — for all coming together to put on a great show.
Everyone got involved, she says, such as local football teams helping with parking, the West Country dance club sold tickets, the Rocky Museum selling 50/50s, with Rocky Search and Rescue (SAR), Rocky Cadets, 4-H clubs and more pitching in.
Thanks to the committee’s hard work, and a community effort, Hay says the 2025 Battle of the Rockies was indeed one to remember.
“We had great weather, we had about 2,000 more fans than previous years,” she says, adding that fans came from as far away as New Brunswick and the United States.
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Committee Vice President Rod Tomyn says it’s a big honour.
“We compete against a lot of good on the race circuit,” he says. “Our sponsors, our fans, the Town of Rocky Mountain House, Clearwater County — everybody stepped up to get this show over the top.”
The Rocky group was named the winner among three finalists for the prestigious award presentation at WPCA headquarters in Calgary Oct. 18.
Planning is already underway for the 2026 Battle of The Rockies final, and the goal is to top the already successful 2025 event.
Hay says, early planning is underway to secure musical acts and more offsite entertainment and attractions between race heats.
Lillian Hay speaking to early planning for the 2026 Battle of the Rockies
After a seven-year hiatus, the WPCA finals returned to Rocky Mountain House over the Labour Day Long Weekend. The 2026 Battle of The Rockies will also be the finals.
Plaque received from the World Professional Chuckwagon Association (WPCA). Battle of he Rockies is the 2025 Race Committee of the Year. (Lillian Hay/provided)
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