Hot out of the gate: Ponoka Stampede has record-shattering tarp sale to kick off 90th anniversary

Published 1:28 pm Monday, May 4, 2026

The 90th Ponoka Stampede is shaping up to be a truly historic event, with a record-smashing World Professional Chuckwagon Association 9WPCA) tarp auction May 1, that included an announcement of an exciting addition planned for the grounds.

For a fourth straight year, the Ponoka Stampede’s canvas auction shattered expectations, bringing in a total of $904,500, breaking all previous records.

The previous high in 2025 of $617,000, (the first time the sale broke the $600,000 mark) was far-surpassed by $287,500 this year.

The WPCA is calling the night “one of the most successful sales in WPCA history.”

The auction saw advertising space on the chuckwagons of the top 32 drivers in the world, along with four Wildcard Wagons sold off to the highest bidders.

In a runaway win, Dean Dreger’s tarp was sold for $150,000, with the next closest driver, Obrey Motowylo’s tarp, going for $39,000.

The sale averaged $25,125 per driver, while the median bid settled at an even $20,000. The evening’s lowest bid came in at $9,000 for one of the Wildcard Wagon positions.

“We are very grateful for the support of such great sponsors, and of course having the world’s greatest chuckwagon drivers and their teams doesn’t hurt either,” said Bruce Harbin, president of the Ponoka Stampede Association.

“There is a huge amount of excitement associated with the 90th annual Ponoka Stampede — it’s shaping up to be an awesome year!”

The final WPCA chuckwagon canvas auction will take place May 26 in Grande Prairie.

During the Ponoka Stampede canvas auction, the board announced the upcoming expansion of the executive suites.

A new suite and entertainment centre overlooking the arena is projected to be completed in 2027.

The tarp auction also marked the official crowning of Miss Ponoka Stampede 2026, Brooke Baehl.

“I’m so excited to pass over this crown to Brooke Baehl, ” said Kyla Lightfoot, Miss Ponoka Stampede 2025.

“I have no doubt that she will do an extraordinary job,” said Lightfoot.

“Brooke’s passion for rodeo began at a young age and was shaped by two years of experience in gymkhana in junior high and high school rodeo.

“She spent several impactful years in 4-H, developing strong leadership, horsemanship, and community involvement skills. With the longest stampede at the heart of her childhood, Brooke grew up immersed in the traditions of a family-like spirit that rodeo creates.”

In 2023, she was crowned the Miss Alberta High School Rodeo Queen.

Baehl is now studying at Mount Royal University.

“(Kyla is) an incredible queen,” said Baehl, acknowledging the outgoing queen’s reign.

“She has how this title is so much professionalism and pride. I’m so proud of her, and she’s done such an amazing job,” she said.

“I think I speak for all of us in saying we can’t wait for the 90th anniversary of the Ponoka Stampede,” said Baehl.

Selection Day was held April 8 at the Calnash Ag Event Centre.