Advertisers will be vying for one of 27 coveted spots at the Calgary Stampede canvas auction Thursday night.
Often called a bellwether for Alberta’s oil and gas industry, companies from all corners bid to have their name and logo showcased during the Rangeland Derby for 10 days during the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth
The event kicks off at 7 p.m. from the Big Four Roadhouse on Stampede Park.
Last year’s event saw High River’s Jason Glass come out on top with a $230,000 bid from Birchcliff Energy Ltd. Second place was captured by Kurt Bensmiller and the Grey Eagle Resort and Casino with $220,000. The third highest bid was $210,000 by Graf Mechanical Ltd. for Kris Molle.
The World Professional Chuckwagon Association (WPCA) says 2025’s event brought the highest average bid ever seen in 45 years — $142,222.22 was the average tender placed on each of the 27 drivers. This topped the previous 2024 record by nearly $27,000.
The 2026 Rangeland Derby runs during the Calgary Stampede from July 3-12.