Kurt Bensmiller, chuckwagon driver, is hopeful that 2018's Calgary Stampede canvas auction earnings will rise from last year's total of $2.4 million.

Kurt Bensmiller uses an old expression when asked what he expects Thursday night during the annual chuckwagon canvas auction for the Calgary Stampede.

Thursday's chuckwagon canvas auction auction for the Calgary Stampede raised just under $2.3 million, the worst showing since the last oil and gas downturn in 2010 when it brought in only $1,966,000.