Sold! Bidding Ends with a Bang at the 2022 Calgary Stampede Canvas Auction
Calgary – For the first time since 2019, an exciting night of bidding ended with a final bang of the gavel and more than $2.1M raised in support of the iconic sport of Chuckwagon Racing, at the 2022 Calgary Stampede Canvas Auction. With racing set to return to the Stampede in July, the opportunity to become a Canvas Advertiser is an experience dozens of companies and groups just couldn’t pass up. The Stampede also announced a multi-year title sponsorship agreement with Cowboys, introducing the newly named Cowboys Rangeland Derby.
“The Stampede is thrilled to have Chuckwagon Racing return in 2022, and clearly, so is our community,” says Steve McDonough, President & Chairman of the Board, Calgary Stampede. “The support we have seen from our new title sponsor, Cowboys, and through the bidding at the Canvas Auction shows just how popular Chuckwagon Racing remains, as well as the value placed on its cultural, historic and sporting significance.”
The evening provided companies and groups with the opportunity to partner with and financially support 27 drivers through an exciting live auction format. For the first time, an online auction followed, giving successful bidders the opportunity to sell off individual nights of hosting and advertising, providing even more options for organizations to be part of this valued and unique experience. Being a chuckwagon advertiser is a unique, authentic and exclusive Stampede experience available to showcase an organization’s brand and host guests in a VIP, behind-the-scenes setting.
“You can’t get this experience any other way. It is truly one-of-a-kind and an incredible way to gather together again,” says McDonough, adding, “We’re so pleased with the outcome of the auction and the support it will provide to the drivers invited to compete in July.”
The backing Chuckwagon drivers receive through the Canvas Auction is vital to supporting their teams at the Calgary Stampede and throughout the racing season. Kurt Bensmiller earned the top bid of the night, with an impressive final bid of $185,000 from Versatile Energy.
“After two years off from racing at the Calgary Stampede, it was fantastic to receive such a high bid – this was the highest bid I’ve ever received,” said Bensmiller. “All of the Drivers are excited to be back at the Stampede. The feeling is unexplainable – this is Chuckwagon Racing right here.”
Get in on the action! Tickets are now on sale for the 2022 Stampede, July 8-17. Visit CalgaryStampede.com to secure your seats at the Stampede Rodeo and Evening Show – featuring the Cowboys Rangeland Derby Chuckwagon Races, the Bell Grandstand Show and spectacular fireworks finale. The excitement kicks off July 8 with the iconic Stampede Parade leading the way to all of the experiences Stampede is known for. The sights, sounds and delicious smells of the Midway, incredible live music on four separate stages, celebrations of Indigenous cultures, educational agriculture experiences, western events and art, volunteerism, community spirit and many, many pancakes!
For interested parties, a select few opportunities may still be available post-auction by teaming up with successful bidders. Please email chuckwagons@calgarystampede.com for more information.