By Sheldon Spackman

Ponoka Stampede kicks off Tuesday

Jun 25, 2018 | 5:12 PM

Tuesday marks the official kick-off to a central Alberta rodeo considered to be among the best in North America.

The 82nd Annual Ponoka Stampede will feature seven days of pro rodeo performances and six days of world pro chuckwagons.

In addition, there will be Midway rides from West Coast Amusements, art and gift shows, R.V camping, fireworks and live music from country stars like The Roadhammers on June 26 and Trace Adkins June 28.

Ponoka Stampede President Blair Vold says the event which runds from June 26 – July 2 is Ponoka’s biggest each year and means a lot to the community in terms of the thousands of visitors it brings in and the economic impact they have on the local business community.

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“Contestants, they come here naturally because we’re one of the biggest rodeos in North America for prize money,” explains Vold. “The top rodeo stock we got makes us a must stop for them and in the wagon racing, they come out of here winning Ponoka Stampede, you basically shoot yourself right up into the World standings or the Canadian standings in the rodeo world so it’s a must stop for cowboys.”

However, what Vold is most proud of is the Western heritage, culture and lifestyle the Ponoka Stampede puts on display.

“We like to showcase that not only to the Canadian fans, the North American fans but to the world,” states Vold. “We get a lot of Europeans and a lot of Asian fans come over and enjoy and experience this and it gives us a lot of pleasure to bring that to them.”

He goes on to say the Ponoka Stampede is put on through the dedicated hard work of its 14 directors and hundreds of volunteers who help make it  a very affordable form of family entertainment.

“Free camping and parking, ticket prices are very reasonable,” says Vold. “We have special days for the kids, Kids Day, we have Seniors Citizens Day and there’s no admission to the grounds. You just pay one ticket to come watch the rodeo or chuckwagon races.”

Once this year’s Stampede wraps up though, work will start on an exciting new grand stand across from the current one according to Allison McWilliam, Director of Suite Operations and Sales for the Ponoka Stampede.

“In 2019 we are unveiling the Wild West Suites,” says McWilliam. “It’s a brand new grand stand for the Ponoka Stampede, it’s an all-suites grand stand with 16 new suites and corporate event space on the roof top. We’ve got the Wild West roof top which seats 150 but has capacity for 350.”

She says the precast concrete building is being built by Eagle Builders and will have an elevator, wheelchair accessible suites, along with multiple stages, bars and ways to customize any group from 50 – 350 people.

“The suites are selling weekly and the roof top is by performance,” McWilliam adds. “It’s happening because for the last 20 years, we have had only eight suites for our sponsors and they’ve been held by the same eight guests for the last 20 years. We have a demand for it and we’re really excited to get new rodeo fans, new businesses and all sorts of new people to the Town of Ponoka to enjoy the sport of rodeo.”

McWilliam says the new grand stand will also allow guests to enjoy hot food service, select from a premium wine list, have hostesses on every floor and offer executive camping and parking.

“The roof top is going to have stunning views,” concludes McWilliam. “From up there it’s going to be a really tall building, you’re going to be able to see the whole town. It’s going to be really phenomenal.”