Entertainment

Shane Yellowbird grew up in Hobbema, a short 15 minute ride from Ponoka, went to school in Ponoka, played hockey here and rodeoed here. A lot has changed for the rising country star as he recently played in New York City rubbing elbows with some of New York’s finest.

Musicians from Ponoka Elementary, Diamond Willow Middle School and Ponoka Composite High School have been practicing every week in preparation for their final concert on June 11 at DWMS gym at 7:30 p.m. The beginner band consists of; back row left to right: Courtney Chesterman, Kailee Chesterman, Ian Bateman, Hailey Boser. Front row left to right: Hannah Louis, Brynne Louis, Mckenna Christensen, Emily Lehr, Alex Lund.

By Eraina Hooyer Staff Reporter The Ponoka Outreach School reached new heights with their annual perogy lunch on June 4 raising approximately $1,500 for their scholarship fund and award. Students, staff, parents and grandparents lent a hand to make the lunch a success and cooked up and served perogies, sausages and drinks. Principal Lawrence Hyrcan was excited about the support demonstrated by the community. “It was an excellent turnout,” said Hyrcan.

St.Augustine School has come together to produce a funny and entertaining version of Aladdin for audiences to enjoy. Lori Kirchner and Pamela Radchenko direct the play with 35 students involved from Grade 7 to 12.

SUBMITTED Various talented students from Ponoka Elementary, Diamond Willow Middle School and Ponoka Composite High School have been practicing every week in preparation for their final concert. They have played on various occasion and their last concert of the year will be on June 11 at DWMS gym at 7:30 p.m. Everyone is invited to the concert, which will feature Elvis Presley and the Big Band Sound.

It is often said that laughter is the best medicine and now Ponoka residents can experience this first hand. Laughter is fun and easy and a new laughter yoga class, through the community Klaglahachie program, is teaching people how to let loose.

Christmas will be celebrated early this year with auditions for the one-act musical play ‘A Christmas Carol’ hosted by Klaglahachie at the Ponoka United Church on May 21. Everyone that comes to try out will be auditioning in front of director Lori Kirchner. Kirchner encourages everyone to come out and give it their best.

The Fort Ostell Museum will be a haven to artists and art hunters on May 24 and 25. Approximately 20 local artists from the Ponoka Art Club will be given the opportunity to showcase their work for the 2008 Annual Show and Sale.

Jaydee Bixby loves Ponoka and Ponoka returned the love during the second annual Spring Twist-off Bullarama hosted by the Ponoka Agriculture Society on May 2, at the Ponoka Recreation and Culture Centre.

Contestants from near and far took the stage for their chance to qualify to sing at the 2008 Ponoka Stampede on May 2 and 3 at the Ponoka Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion.