All the action, excitement and dust-ups of World Professional Chuckwagon Association (WPCA) racing returns Aug. 15-18 to North Saskatchewan River Park for the 2024 Battle of The Rockies.
First started in Rocky Mountain House in 2010, the event served as the WPCA finals up until 2018. Since 2019, The Battle of The Rockies has served as the WPCA semi-finals.
President of the Rocky Mountain Chuckwagon Association, Lillian Hay, says the event itself sees participants racing around barrels on a half-mile or three-quarter mile track on a chuckwagon led by four thoroughbred horses.
WPCA racing is a tradition dating all the way back to 1923, says Hay.
It’s a callback to pioneer days, says Hay, as folks in those years had kitchens in their wagons. Modern day racers pay homage to that by being required to have a ‘stove’ in their wagons, which is actually a drum that weighs about 10 pounds.
Not having the stove in your wagon is actually a penalty, says Hay.
For those who have never been to Battle of The Rockies, Hay says it’s quite something to behold in person.
“The excitement is very high. People in the bleachers are clapping and stomping their feet,” says Hay. “Sometime there’s betting in the grandstand between friends who might win the race, or conversations on their favorite driver or who has the best outfit.”
Alongside the chuckwagon action, organizers say participants can take in a full lineup of musical entertainment at the beer garden, including Slave Lake artist Berlyn Broadhead performing Thursday evening. Chris Brien performs at the beer gardens Friday and Saturday night.
Hay adds, there will also be food trucks, as well as a vendor market that includes a chuckwagon tent selling unique chuckwagon-themed memorabilia.
Competition reaches a high point during Battle of The Rockies, says Hay, as 36 wagons have been running all summer long during various WPCA events, and the top teams are hoping to have a good showing to be able to go on to the finals in Ponoka on Labour Day Long Weekend.
The ultimate prize is World Professional Chuckwagon Champion of the year, says Hay, with awards of a truck lease, trophy and bragging rights all on the line.
Chuckwagons at the 2023 Battle of the Rockies. (Shellie Scott Photography)
Participants are invited to camp for the weekend for $10 per night, says Hay, an option that’s been popular with attendees over the years with between 200-300 campers staying at the site each year.
For those new to the event, Hay advises people show up as early as possible, as Battle of the Rockies is a very popular occasion.
“Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights we will see approximately 2,000 extra people in Rocky Mountain House enjoying the races,” says Hay.
Tickets can be purchased in advance at Scotiabank or Henry’s Western Wear in Rocky Mountain House, or at the grounds the day of the event.
Gates open at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday with pre-show beginning around 6:15 p.m..
On Sunday, gates open at 12 p.m. with pre show starting at 1:15 p.m.
Trick riding at 2023 Battle of the Rockies in Rocky Mountain House (Shellie Scott Photography)
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