Attendance numbers have been down across the board at chuckwagon races over the last few years.

The slow economy, changing demographics and even a backlash against rodeo sports could be to blame.

High River chuckwagon driver Jordie Fike says events like High River's Guy Weadick Days need to do a better job attracting younger fans.

"We need the younger people, like my generation, and the families to gain and interest again, and I'm just not sure how we do that. You know the western way of life is huge in this area and we've got to get people coming back out."

Fike says he understands the rodeo and chuckwagons have their detractors, but he says he'd "love to talk to those people."

He says they never address the driver's personally, choosing instead to "Go through the media."

He says he'd be happy to sit down one on one with those who are against the sport for varying reasons and listen to their concerns, and hope they'd be willing to hear him out too.

Fike, who races at the Stampede in front of packed houses, says fans are missing out by not coming to the smaller venues like High River.

He says the stands at the Ag Grounds are so close to the action it almost makes you feel like you're on the track.

Fike says if you have questions, comments or suggestion, he and the other drivers are very accessible, and are always eager to talk to fans and anyone interested in the sport or those wondering what it's all about.