Tarp Auction brings WPCA Drivers to Bonnyville

Great opportunity to showcase your business.

The Bonnyville Pro Rode & Chuckwagon Association (BPRCA) is hosting their annual tarp auction on Thursday evening at the Crown & Derby Pub. This is a great opportunity for businesses to showcase themselves during the Bonnyville Rodeo & Chuckwagon weekend, July 27-30th.

Mitch Michaud with the BPRCA says it’s much more than just a logo on a wagon, “some people pick a driver because they have a personal relationship with them. Others pick because of where the driver is in the standings. It’s all about sponsorship, getting your name out there and on a tarp to show off that you enjoy this sport as much as somebody else does.”

Wagon outfits rely on sponsorship dollars to get from town to town, putting on a thrilling show every weekend throughout the season. Between day money, weekend dash for cashes and sponsorship, the outfits must go the whole summer with that income to provide for themselves and their families; along with their wagon families of farmhands and outriders.

Two-time Calgary Stampede Champion and 2015 WPCA Champion, Kurt Bensmiller will be at the auction and this time not just for entertainment value. For the first time in a few seasons, Bensmiller’s wagon will be up for auction, meaning you’ll have the ability to have your company’s logo showcased on the tarp. Layne Bremner, Jim Knight, Roger Moore and Vern Nolin will be on site and up for auction, as well. Hometown boy, Doug Irvine will be at the auction, however his tarp is sponsored year-round by B&R Eckel’s Transport, thus not up for auction.

Some other exciting drivers available for sponsorship in Bonnyville include Kelly Sutherland and Luke Tournier. Tournier won the Bonnyville races last year, as well as the WPCA Championship.

Minimum bid for a wagon is $2,500 and can be split between businesses. The auction starts at 5:00 pm sharp at the Bonnyville Crown & Derby Pub. Doors open at 4: 00 pm, cheques are the preferred method of payment.