The annual Poundmaker Cree Nation chuckwagon and relay races were organized a little bit differently this year. (Cheryl Gopher/Facebook)

By battlefordsNOW Staff

Annual tradition

Recent Poundmaker chuckwagon, relay races a success

Aug 10, 2020 | 5:15 PM

The Poundmaker Cree Nation community appeared to have a galloping good time at this year’s chuckwagon and relay races while also keeping COVID-19 precautions in mind.

Priscilla Checkosis, one of the organizing committee members, said the two-day event at the Valley View Meadows Race Track on the First Nation went off without a hitch.

The event that also included the Warrior and Lady Warrior races was free to attend this year for a change.

“That is what the chief decided at the last minute, so we didn’t charge anything,” Checkosis said, adding the show was well received.

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Donations benefitted the community’s youth activities.

The Poundmaker chuckwagon and relay races carried on this year while following COVID-19 precautions. (Cheryl Gopher/Facebook)

A total of 18 chuckwagons and 15 relay teams participated in the events. Prizes were available for the top contenders.

Checkosis said Poundmaker followed the province’s COVID-19 regulations and social distanced between households as much as possible.

Attendees had their temperatures taken when they arrived.

People viewed the event from the bleachers or watched from their cars parked around the outside of the venue.

“A lot of them stayed in their vehicles,” Checkosis said. “There were vehicles right along the track.”

Hand sanitization stations were also set up and masks were available.

Cheryl Gopher, a former racer who attended the event, said there were fewer races compared to last year, and changes were made to implement social distancing.

She said she enjoyed herself, despite some of the challenges this year.

Gopher mentioned she is always glad to see so many young people taking part in the competition and learning the sport.

—

angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsnow