Following a highly successful 2025, the Rocky Mountain Chuckwagon Association hopes that Battle of the Rockies will be the permanent home of the World Professional Chuckwagon Association (WPCA) finals.
Rocky served as the finals location from 2010 to 2018. Following that, it served as the semi finals from 2019 to 2024, as the finals were held in Ponoka and Calgary.
However, in 2025, the finals returned to North Saskatchewan River Park, and Rocky Mountain Chuckwagon Association vice president Rod Tomyn says he hopes it stays that way.
“I believe we were very successful in bringing the WPCA finals back to Rocky Mountain House, and we are in discussions to make this the permanent home of the world finals,” says Tomyn.
To that end, association president Lillian Hay says around 6,000 chuckwagon fans attended Battle of the Rockies in person in 2025.
Tomyn adds, in a survey of wagon drivers, over 80 per cent indicated they would like to see Rocky continue to serve as the finals location.
–
RELATED
–
Tomyn points to some improvements at North Saskatchewan River Park that allowed the finals’ success, such as fiber optic connectivity which allowed the finals to be broadcast online to thousands of people.
However, the association is suggesting some improvements at the grounds if the finals are to be a success long-term.
The delegation, which appeared before Rocky Mountain House town council Dec. 16, suggested better internet connectivity to allow for online ticket sales, as well as use of point of sale (POS) machines instead of cash.
Improvements are also required for the dirt race track itself, says Tomyn, as the current track has fallen into a state of disrepair and is becoming a safety concern. He says a cost plan is ongoing.
Hay suggested increased lighting in the bleachers, as it can get rather dark there when the sun goes down.
The group also wants groups who formerly used North Saskatchewan River Park to be “enticed back” so the facility sees higher usage. That includes a former high school rodeo and a ranch rodeo.
Right now, Tomyn says only the Rocky Rodeo, Battle of the Rockies, and the annual demolition derby are the only major events on the calendar at the grounds.
Tomyn says there is a lot of potential for events at the grounds, as he says Battle of the Rockies brings in around $5 million into the local economy, with more growth expected.
Rocky Mountain Chuckwagon Association president Lillian Hay, and vice president Rod Tomyn appear before town council, Dec. 16, 2025. (Town of Rocky Mountain House)
Deputy Mayor Dale Shippelt says the town will need to consider the “shopping cart full” of items, and encouraged the delegation to narrow the list down and provide cost estimates.
Looking even further into the future, Tomyn spoke of the possibility of adding more seating and sky boxes; although he says that is a long term consideration.
The delegation is also set to appear before Clearwater County council on Jan. 13 in the new year.
Comments