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august 25, 2021
Dwayne Dubuc Drives People through the Sport of Chariot and Chuckwagon Racing Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent
Alberta Professional Chuckwagon and Chariot Races were held during the Vegreville Country Fair from August 4 to 8 which found 44 chuckwagon racers and 46 chariot racers with their team of horses who competed in these races during each day of the fair. Dwayne Dubuc, President of the Alberta Professional Chuckwagon & Chariot Association, said he is currently on his fifth year as serving as head of the organization. “I have been competing in the chuckwagon and Chuckwagon action from the Vegreville fair. chariot racing for 30 plus years and for me racing (Rosanne Fortier/Photo provides the ultimate rush of adrenalin. As hard as some days can be when things don’t go right or the year round commitment of caring for the a mind of their own, also prepared and ready to compete horses, whether it be the hottest days of summer or the at their best. -40 temperatures in the winter, we need to make sure If you, as the driver, or one horse on the outfit is not at these horses are cared for and are ready for when spring their best the results will certainly show it. Frustrating training starts. as that can be, when it all comes together, everything Some race days are sunshine and some race days are works perfectly and luck is on your side, the feeling of rain but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Chuckwagon complete satisfaction is obtained, and it is a feeling you and chariot racing compares to any and all extreme never forget and strive for every day following. sports but adds the extra wrinkle of, not only you having Over the years I have been fortunate enough to obtain to be at the top of your game, but having a team of two, that level of success that makes you a show champion or in the case of the chuckwagons, four horses, all with both driving for other outfit owners as well as with my
own horses. I have also been lucky enough to have horses honoured with receiving the Leo Cartier Memorial Horse of the Year Award on multiple occasions. I have been awarded the most sportsmanlike driver award and I completed a lifelong goal of winning the overall season championship. No matter how many awards have been won though I always look forward to the next race and I am always striving to be a better horseman, driver, and representative of the sport.” As far as what spectators like? Dubuc said, “Each spectator will have their own individual reason for enjoying chuckwagon and chariot racing. For some, it is the memories they have from their own days of being with their favorite horse. For others it is the rush of a lightning fast barrel turn and four outfits hitting the track all together, in line and witnessing the competitiveness each horse on each outfit displays. Some spectators will cheer the outfit trailing early in a race and rise to their feet as that outfit finds the determination and drive to make a late charge and overcome the leader at the finish line. No matter what it gives you, as a spectator, your biggest thrill, chuckwagon and chariot racing has something for everyone,” Dubuc added.
12th Annual Vegreville Bunnock Tournament was a Family Friendly Good Time Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent
The tradition of an ancient game lived on at the 12th Annual Vegreville Bunnock Tournament August 21 and 22 at the agricultural grounds. Fifty teams participated in the event. Most teams were from Alberta, but some came from British Columbia Saskatchewan. Ray Gartner, Founder of the Vegreville Bunnock Tournament, said he has been playing bunnock doe 76 years ever since he was seven-years-old when he lived on a farm in Saskatchewan. “People come out and play this game so much because so far I have yet to find another game that is more family friendly where all ages can play from seven-years-old up to 93. We had a man, 93-years-old who took the championship a few years ago when we had the tournament over here. People go out for summer vacation and
they play this game and then their friends come over and join in, and it just an all around fun game for everyone to play.” Joe Tschirren, President of Vegreville Bunnock Association, echoed Gartner’s sentiment, and said he was pleased with the turn-out. Millie Giebelhaus, Secretary of the Vegreville Bunnock Association, was a member of the organizing committee for the tournament as well as captain for her team. She said with a big smile that they won a game. “I participated in this game because it gave my family a chance to have a fun weekend together with our family and friends. Our daughter just flew in from Kelowna to play with us. It is a unique type of game because you are part of a team but you still challenge yourself. Also, it helps a person feel alive as they are enjoying the outdoors while being with their family and friends instead of behind a cellphone or video game.” Grande Prairie participant Janais Dejong said she registered for the tournament to enjoy some family time. “Our family is very competitive, which is
something I really enjoy. We have won this tournament twice in past years. We practice a lot.” Soldiers centuries ago used to play bunnock with real horses’ bones that were lying around from deceased animals. Today, the bunnock bone is a plastic caste reproduction of a horse ankle.
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