By Carlie Sanderson
FOR PONOKA NEWS
Ponoka Stampede goers will see lots of changes on the Stampede grounds this year, including a new gathering tent and more food options.
One of the biggest changes is the addition of an 80 by 150 foot tent adjacent to the Stagecoach Saloon.
President of the Ponoka Stampede Association Jason Cline said they will be moving the Friday and Saturday night at the Beer Gardens from out in the arena to up at the grounds.
“That’s going to be a major change for us. With the tent, it will be utilized every day and there will be live music during the day and then again at night. We’ll utilize it Friday and Saturday night for the big beer gardens as well,” said Cline.
The old food concession building was dismantled and removed on April 23 due to the age of the building and safety reasons. It was one of the oldest buildings on the grounds. It’s being replaced with some exciting new food options in new locations.
On the grounds, a barbecue smoke pit, 6 On The Block, a butcher shop out of Lacombe, will be set up in the Tommy Dorchester Paddock and Buster’s Pizza will be onsite as well.
There will also be around seven food trucks that will offer different types of food throughout different areas of the grounds.
Inside the Stagecoach Saloon there will be a church booth that will serve some food too. The Ponoka Sharks Swim Club will also have a booth in the infield, which is part of how they raise funds.
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