Mr. Speaker, folks can grab their hats, dust off them boots and polish up them buckles. The arena lights will be blazing, the chutes loaded and the thunder of hooves shaking the ground. The 90th Ponoka Stampede is just around the corner, and it is fixing to be one for the books.
At the get-go, the Ponoka Stampede was a two-day event organized by local cowboy and veteran George MacKeddie. With an admission price of 25¢, spectators could see saddle bucking, bareback riding, chariot racing, pony races, Roman races and more. Soon after, chuck racing and premium bucking broncs were added to the stampede, which put Ponoka on the map as an internationally acclaimed show and one of the top rodeos in the world.
Each year, over 800 volunteers put in over 3,000 hours during the week-long celebration, with support from over 30 local community organizations. From 3,000 spectators in the mid-1930s to over 100,000 spectators today, the Ponoka Stampede sets the standard for celebrating our great western heritage. Folks can come on out and join us in Ponoka between June 25 and July 1 for a grand old time. Yee-haw.