The Dewberry Chuckwagon Racing Heritage Society launched their first ‘Return to Racing 50/50 Raffle’ on May 7. The Hamlet of Dewberry has hosted chuckwagon racing since the 1950s and is home to Calgary Stampede, World and Canadian Chuckwagon Champions such as Allan, Kurt, Buddy, Chance, and David Bensmiller, Bruce Craige, Dallas Dyck, Harvey Brown, Rick Rainey, Vern Nolin, and Warren Garnier. Due to COVID-19 the races were cancelled in 2020 and the Dewberry Chuckwagon Racing Heritage Society is hoping to get to return to the track this summer if the Alberta government agrees with the process the Society has proposed or restrictions are lifted.
“We would like to get the races back up and running this year for the third weekend of June by having it as a drive-in event if the restrictions are not lifted by then. We would have it set up that attendees could drive-up the same as they would for a drive-in movie around the track and watch from their vehicles,” explained David Bensmiller, president of the Dewberry Chuckwagon Racing Society.
The Dewberry Chuckwagon Heritage Society has WPCA local drivers who compete in the Worlds and it is expensive to have them participate in the races. Due to COVID-19 sponsorship has been down and the Society is hoping to raise enough through the 50/50 Raffle alongside their current sponsors.
“Currently we have confirmed Dewberry Hotel, Dewberry Co-op and Dewberry Credit Union, but if anyone would like to sponsor the races we would really appreciate it,” explained Bensmiller.
Bensmiller also noted that due to COVID-19 and the restrictions community spirit is low and they are hoping that by having the races if allowed it will help bring back some normalcy to the community.
Funds from the ‘Return to Racing 50/50 Raffle’ will assist with facility maintenance expenses required to host a World Professional Chuckwagon Association racing event. The winner will receive a minimum cash prize of $4,000, or 50 per cent of ticket sales (whichever is greater) up to $10,000. Purchase your ticket by May 29 at, https://www2.rafflebox.ca/raffle/dcrhs?fbclid=IwAR1Sjb89ceLumqhad9MhPMUEChmQRDQBR6DIX0Y_l6ld8ZwfMEEFt3fg3Nc. The draw date will be May 30 at the Dewberry Chuckwagon Racing Grounds.