Vegreville hosts Alberta Professional Chariot and Chuckwagon Association Awards

Vegreville hosts Alberta Professional Chariot and Chuckwagon Association Awards

Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser

Vegreville played host to members of the Alberta Professional Chariot and Chuckwagon Association, (APCCA) who held their annual general meeting, banquet and awards presentations at the Social Centre on Oct. 15.

APCCA President Dwayne Dubuc said 2022 was the first full season of racing since start of the Covid-19 pandemic. There were 67 chariots and 52 wagons who competed on the show circuit that began the first week of June and finished the first week of September.

Dubuc said they had a large number of rookies compete this season. “They had a great attitude and we expect more growth going forward.” There were six rookie chariot drivers and 1 rookie chuckwagon driver that competed on the circuit.

Vegreville hosted the first show of the year on June 4 and 5. Dubuc said Vegreville has really turned into a “Chuckwagon Town” with great sponsorship and support from local businesses.

Vegreville also held one other show during the Vegreville Ag Society’s Deerland Country Fair that was held from Aug. 3-7. Dubuc said they extended the dates to seven this year. Dubuc commended members of the Vegreville Ag Society for their “excellent work” and for the great track conditions.

Shane Cartier, right, accepting the Volunteer of the Year Award from Todd Maupin.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

But no matter where the shows are held, Dubuc said members always look out for one another and treat each other like family. Dubuc said it takes an entire team to make it all possible. While they are competitors on the track, they are friends off the track and help one another out whenever and wherever they can.

An example of that, was when chuckwagon driver Mike Cooke was injured in Sedgewick and asked Dubuc to drive his outfit in Edgerton for him even though Dubuc was in second place in the standings behind him. Dubuc was honoured to be asked and said it demonstrates the trust they have in each other.

Cooke, went on to win the championship and thanked Dubuc as well as John Stott for driving for him when he was unable to race. During his acceptance speech Cooke stated, “I want to thank my holder Wanda, (Hansen) for sticking with me to go down the road, and my chuckwagon family.”

Jim O’Connor placed second, Dwayne Dubuc placed third and Garnett Bengtson placed fourth in the final standings. Rookie Chuckwagon Driver of the Year went to Martina Hubel.

Dwayne Dubuc accepts 1st place award in chariots from Tim Maupin.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Dwayne Dubuc won the chariot championship with second place going to Wanda Hansen, third place Kim Hughes and fourth place Sam Bengtson. Rookie Chariot Driver of the Year went to Kaden Stott.

The Leo Cartier Memorial Equine Award went to: Cart Horse of the Year; Dwayne Dubuc’s Abby, Lead Horse of the Year; Shane Cartier’s horse Cat and Pole Horse of the Year; Dwayne Dubuc’s Hashtag.

The Fair Board of the Year was awarded to Sundre. Dale Young, who also hails from the Sundre area was named Most Sportsmanlike Driver of the Year. Family of the Year recipients were Tracey and Kim Klatt. Volunteer of the Year was Shane Cartier. Jim O’Connor won Safe Driver of the Year in the chuckwagons and Kim Hughes won Safe Driver of the Year in the chariots.

Shane Cartier, left, accepts Leo Cartier Memorial Equine Award for his Lead Horse of the Year Cat from Jim Cartier.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Bursaries were awarded to Kendra Bell, Breanna O’Connor and Savannah BigCharles who are currently pursing further education in post-secondary institutions in Alberta.

Louie Johner was presented with a life membership in the APCCA. He received a standing ovation from the crowd of around 125 people. Johner, who hails from the Mayerthorpe area, said he did not expect to receive the honour. After accepting the Lifetime Membership Johner said, “I’d like to thank my family for all the help I’ve had over the years and everyone else whose helped me along.” Johner raced for 49 years and is very gratified that several members of his family are following in his footsteps.