Spray Lake Sawmills is once again supporting chuckwagon driver Layne MacGillivray in this year’s races at the Calgary Stampede, coming in as high bidder in the tarp auction to the tune of $100,000. Prime advertising space on the chuckwagons brought in just over $2.1 million for the Calgary Stampede.
Ed Kulcsar, vice-president of Woodlands at Spray Lake Sawmills, calls it a renewal.
"We're definitely happy to be connected with the MacGillivray family once again. It's the continuation of a long-term relationship," he said.
The relationship can be traced back to Cochrane's Profit family, which also has connections to the MacGillivrays. Driver Grant Profit retired from the 'half mile of hell' in 2012.
This is Spray Lake's third Stampede sponsorship of MacGillivray, who is very appreciative of the relationship.
“I can’t say enough about them – they’ve been a very good partner to us,” he said.
MacGillivray also commented on the amount of the winning bid, which was in the upper range of other bids.
“It’s always satisfying to see it up there. The banker sure likes it, I know that,” he said.
MacGillivray is in the midst of what he calls spring training with his team of horses, getting the veteran animals back in shape and breaking in the new ones purchased last year. There is no guarantee new horses are cut out for the chucks.
“It depends on their personality. The odd one doesn’t take to it at all, and they might have to become riding horses, or maybe go to another event,” he said.
But what MacGillivray is really excited about is getting back behind the reins after COVID put the brakes on racing for the last two years. The Chucks haven’t happened for two years in Calgary — the pandemic caused the cancellation of the Stampede in 2020, and last year’s scaled-back event did not feature the races.
“It’s a good feeling to get back rollin' here. Hopefully nothing stops us now,” he said.
The next races will be at Grande Prairie May 25, and the Stampede opens July 8.
The single event that not only kicks off the buzz for the upcoming Calgary Stampede, but is often used as a forecast for the economy in Western Canada, is back after a two-year pause. Stampede officials say their fan surveys indicate the Rangeland Derby was the most missed event last year.
Cochranites looking for a wagon to pull for if they attend the chucks at Stampede will have to chose between two drivers with local connections. Chad Fike of Cremona is also racing.
Or, as MacGillivray suggests, “Just pull for us both.”
