There’s no shortage of exciting activities around town on Canada Day, whether it’s partaking of some delicious food, rodeo action, live entertainment or fantastic fireworks.
Town of Ponoka
The Town of Ponoka is hosting Canada Day celebrations in Lions Centennial Park with an afternoon full of family-friendly activities from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
There will be free children’s activities including bouncy castles and games from 2 to 5 p.m. in the park, as well as a photo booth run by the Klaglahachie Fine Arts Society.
Mayor Rick Bonnett and some other dignitaries will say a few words at a brief ceremony at 3 p.m. on the main stage in the park.
Immediately following, Tap 9, a local modern day classic rock band, will provide live entertainment, kicking things off on stage at 3:15 p.m.
After all that, grab a hot dog at the free community barbecue, served by Ponoka Parks, Recreation and Culture Committee from 4 to 6 p.m.
To finish off Canada Day with a spark, make sure to take in the fireworks show over the River Valley in the downtown area, sponsored by the town, at 11 p.m.
IGA Canada Day Barbecue
The IGA will be holding its 37th annual Canada Day celebration barbecue on July 1 in the IGA parking lot, starting at 11 a.m.
Ponoka Stampede
Of course, the Ponoka Stampede rodeo finals and Showdown and the chuckwagon Tommy Dorchester Dash for Cash are all on the last day of the Ponoka Stampede on Monday, July 1.
Three local vets have been selected to receive “golden tickets” (free rodeo tickets) and the Ponoka Legion Branch 66 members will be marching in at the start of the rodeo finals at 1 p.m.
Gord Bamford and Corb Lund will be singing the national anthems on Canada Day to start off the rodeo performance.
Ponoka Legion Branch 66
The Ponoka Legion has a number of activities throughout Stampede Week, including Canada Day. All events are open to the public.
The Will Braun Band will play on July 1 from 8 p.m. to midnight. The cover charge for Legion members is $2 who show their cards and guests are $5.
A soup and sandwich lunch will be served on Canada Day from 11 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. for $7 per person and a Alberta Beef Smorg from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at $18 per person.
There will also be door prizes and a 50/50 draw.