The Calgary Stampede Canvas Auction: The Who, What, Wear, When, and Why:
The Calgary Stampede Canvas Auction marks the kickoff and countdown to the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth, the Calgary Stampede. Every year, the event is held to partner companies and groups with the twenty-seven chuckwagon drivers who are invited to compete at the Stampede. Bidders who leave the auction triumphant will have the opportunity to promote or advertise their company or organization on their chuckwagon driver’s Chuckwagon Canvas throughout the Stampede. They also have a unique opportunity to offer a select group of guests a one-of-a-kind, behind-the-scenes experience with their driver in the chuckwagon barns. This event is an essential part of The Calgary Stampede and for many people, the first big western event they will attend in the year. Hence, the outfit you decide to wear to this event is arguably one of the most important details to consider when attending.
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This auction would likely be widely classified as a Western high-style event. Dress to impress, dress to be classy. Keep the skirts at a reasonable length and the tops flattering and tasteful. Top notch western accessories like jewelry, handbags and hats are most certainly going to make or break your outfit.
• Tops: Dress shirts of any kind are welcome. Whether they be button ups, retro-inspired snap shirts with fringe or flowing tops that drape softly, your top is your chance to express your style. Our shirt brands include Double D Ranch and Tasha Polizzi.
• Bottoms: A classy midi or maxi skirt is always welcome here. A denim straight cut skirt when styled right would look gorgeous, as well as a skirt of a more flowing material and A-line cut. Maybe even spice it up a bit with a leather midi skirt. Look for beautiful styles from Tasha Polizzi, Vintage Collection and Double D Ranch. You could also go for a polished denim look, flare jeans with a belt, or dress pants to pair with a blouse.
• Dresses: Alternatively from the tops and bottoms option, go for a sharp midi or maxi dress. Play around with materials and styles, but keep the colours relatively uniform for a more refined put-together look.
• Cowgirl Boots: Now, we recommend your most prized, freshly shined cowgirl boots for this event. If you are wearing a skirt that would showcase your boots, maybe go for boots with ornate stitching, or have a hair-on-hide moment, shorties would also look gorgeous in this case. Pick boots in this case that pop. If your boots will be majority covered, opt for a simple leather boot, brown or black, you can never go wrong there.
• Cowboy Hat: Some people think the cowboy hat is optional, but is it?! We think it’s essential but you should do what you feel confident doing. If you are keen on wearing a cowgirl hat to this event, you can go with a crisp classic felt with a new hat band or opt for a dressier felt hat with a pretty band. If the “Charlie One Horse” hats are your style, those hats are perfect for an event like this.
• Accessories: This event exudes Western classy. Silver and turquoise jewelry tastefully done, with necklaces, earrings, and bangles are always appropriate options in this situation. Finish your outfit off with either a simple leather belt or something with a little sparkle depending on your personal preference!
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• Shirts/Dress Shirts: This event requires either a beautifully embellished dress shirt on its own, or a simple button up to go under a vest and/or suit jacket. We recommend neutral and single tones: black, brown, white, navy, etc, when choosing button downs to be paired with a suit jacket.
• Pants/Jeans: If you're going with the suit jacket or full suit option, opt for dress pants that are either part of a single suit, or that match the suit jacket. If you want to go more business casual with the embellished button up, pair it with a dark wash boot cut pair of jeans. When done right, both of these options can look very dashing.
• Cowboy Boots: Shine em’ up, wear your good boots for this one. Maybe even pull out your exotics, it is a special occasion after all.
• Cowboy Hat: Once again for the gentlemen, we believe a hat is essential, and recommend choosing a felt for a classic and refined look. Preferably in neutral tones as well for it to match your suit, or just be cohesive with your outfit in general.
• Accessories: A clean leather belt will always bring an outfit together when done right, just make sure it’s cohesive to the outfit. Bolo ties are your friend here, elevate your look with a classy bolo tie.
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A Little Insight Into Last Year:
Who won the Chucks in 2024? The 2024 Calgary Stampede Cowboys Rangeland Derby champion was Jason Glass, driving the Birchcliff Energy Ltd. outfit, with outriders Dayton Sutherland and Tyson Whitehead. In second place came Layne MacGillivary, and in third was Chanse Vigen!
And how did the auction go? The 2024 Calgary Stampede Canvas Auction held at Stampede Park last year raised a total of 3.15 million dollars. The average bid was 115,370.37 dollars, which was the highest average bid in the event’s 44-year history! 18 drivers exceeded 100,000, and the top bid was 210,000. The auction proceeds from 2024 were up 365,000 dollars from 2023.
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Where to Watch and When?
If you don’t get the chance to attend this event in person, it is entirely possible to watch it and enjoy the experience through a livestream online instead! You can tune in on April 10, 2025 at 7pm Mountain Standard Time.
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