The Grande Prairie Stompede Association hosted its annual tarp auction on April 11, 2026, where Gold Horse Casino placed the top bid of $31,000 for veteran chuckwagon driver Vern Nolin. The event, held at the Tara Centre at Evergreen Park in Grande Prairie, Alberta, served as a fundraiser for youth mental health initiatives ahead of the upcoming races.
The auction generated a total of $593,000 across 40 drivers. This year’s proceeds support the Unbridled program, a local partnership between the Stompede association and the Peace Area Riding for the Disabled Society. The program provides equine-assisted therapy to help youth navigate and process lived trauma through professional support and interaction with horses.
Vern Nolin, a veteran driver with the World Professional Chuckwagon Association, secured the highest bid of the evening for the second consecutive year. His involvement continues a tradition of community support for the racing circuit and local charitable causes.
The Grande Prairie Stompede is set to take place at Evergreen Park from May 27 to May 31, 2026. Local businesses interested in sponsoring a wagon or featuring their brand at the track during the event may still contact organizers for opportunities.
