Okotoks chuckwagon driver Mark Sutherland has a love-hate relationship with tarp auctions.

He'll be in Calgary Thursday, March 22, for the Stampede Auction.

You'll recognize him, buy the uncomfortable look on his face.

"I love it. It's exciting. To me, in spite of what we see outside, it's the kick-off to Spring. So, it's an exciting day, but it's a nerve wracking day. Especially for drivers. To go up there, wave your hat and wait for someone to bid on them. You really do feel like a cow."

Sutherland picked up $80,000 last year, and isn't sure which the way is blowing heading into this year's auction.

He says he's trying to be optimistic, but he's not sure the economic recovery's been strong enough yet for driver's to make much gains from sponsors still feeling the pinch.