A longtime local family is being celebrated and recognized during the Battle of the Foothills chuckwagon races this weekend.
The Willard family have been involved in the sport for three generations now.
Blake and Shelly Willard still live in the Foothills and are welcoming generations of Willards and Nelsons all weekend long.
Blake is the nephew of Hank Willard, who still holds the record for winning the Rangeland Derby at the Calgary Stampede five years in a row from 1951 to 1955.
In honour of being recognized, the family is asking everyone to bring a food item for the Wild Rose Community Food Rescue program based in High River.
The Willards are offering up an exclusive prize basket in a draw for anyone who donates. The prize is valued at $375 and includes a Montana Silversmith "Firewagon" buckle, plus some western-themed books and other goodies.
Blake Willard was formerly involved with the Calgary Firefighters Firewagon Chuckwagon Association, and they raised money for community causes.
So, giving back to the community and giving back to the sport of chuckwagon racing is definitely in Willard's blood.
The Battle of the Foothills runs nightly at 7 p.m. and at 4 p.m. on Sunday.