It proved to be yet another record-shattering night at the Ponoka Stampede's 2025 WPCA Tarp Auction, held May 2 in the Stagecoach Saloon on the Stampede grounds.
For the third year running, the Stampede marked a record sale total, bringing in a total of $617,000, and it's also the very first time the auction broke the $600,000 mark.
Prime advertising space was available on the chuckwagons of the best 32 drivers in the world, plus for four wildcard wagons on chuckwagon racing’s predominant racing circuit.
"It's awesome. The wagon community and the Ponoka community do so much to support us, and that (in turn) helps us give back to the community, and it also helps us to put on a world-class fair," said Jim Harbidge, the Ponoka Stampede Association's chuckwagons director.
"We've had just fantastic support from the sponsors."
This year's totals were up a whopping $40,500 over the now previous record total of $576,500 set just last year, noted a release.
2023 was also a record-breaker, landing a haul of $553,000.
"The top bid of the night went to defending Ponoka Stampede Champion Luke Tournier, and 2022 Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby Champion Kris Molle when Pidherney’s and Eagle Builders respectively each paid $35,000."
The night's average bid was $17,138.89, with the median bid at $16,000.
Also, the Cattle Raffle early bird draw was made, going to Colin Knoh of Sherwood Park, who landed a tidy $2,000.
"This is the kick-off to our Stampede season," said Harbidge of the auction.
"It really starts to accelerate from here. We sell 36 tarps that go on 36 wagons, giving the buyers a chance to advertise on those tarps," he said, adding that 80 per cent of the money goes to the drivers with 20 per cent going towards ensuring a top-notch Stampede event in general.
The auction kicked off with a reception followed by the auction which was led by world champ auctioneer Danny Skeels.
Another highlight of the evening was the crowning of Miss Ponoka Stampede 2025, Kyla Lightfoot.
"I'm really excited! Tonight is special - it's officially the day I will take over," she said.
"There are some butterflies, but overall I'm just really excited to get the summer started."
She also emphasized how honoured she is to be Miss Ponoka Stampede, and looks forward to a busy stint representing the world-class event.
"I am overjoyed - the Ponoka Stampede is the best of the best, so I'm counting down the days to be able to represent it - I honestly can't wait. It will be amazing."
This year's Ponoka Stampede runs from June 25 to July 1.
For more information, head to www.ponokastampede.com.
