Ponoka Stampede President Jason Cline and Miss Ponoka Stampede, Kaylee Shantz, pose July 5 during the Ponoka Stampede volunteer recognition supper. Cline says the volunteers are what makes everything work at Stampede. (Supplied)

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

thank you

Ponoka Stampede’s 800 volunteers steal the show

Jul 7, 2023 | 1:38 PM

Volunteers really do make the Ponoka Stampede go.

The yearly event ran June 26 to July 2, with about 800 volunteers making a big name for themselves.

They were all honoured at a special thank you event on July 5.

“I’ve said numerous times through the years that without our volunteers, there’s no way we could do this,” said Jason Cline, Ponoka Stampede president. “There are two things you need: you need to have your community behind you, and you need to have your volunteers behind you.”

Volunteers helped sell 104,000 tickets to this year’s edition, and assisted with parking, serving food, driving rodeo fans from parking to the arena, and helped in many other capacities.

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“They’re making juice in the morning. They’re cleaning the volunteer lounge. They’re doing all kinds of things and they’re so passionate about it,” said Cline. “People just want to be part of something that’s good. People want to be part of something that makes them feel good and makes others feel good.”

One volunteer recognized for his dedication was Mike Williams, who can’t quite remember when he started.

Williams was presented with the 2023 Errol McMillan volunteer award for his commitment.

“We know it’s over 10 years,” he said. “I take the time to visit and thank the volunteers for their hard work. Each year I come back and see the volunteers and they recognize me and we get to talk.”

Williams estimates he takes 350 phone calls and texts per day during Stampede.

He was nominated by Greg Gordon and received unanimous support from the Stampede board.

Meanwhile, long-time volunteer Darlene Heidt, who’s been helping out for over 15 years, won the Ponoka Stampede Showdown Mega Cash Raffle, taking home over $73,000.

by Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

Ponoka Stampede’s 800 volunteers steal the show

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