By Jasmine Franklin
Hard work is finally paying off for the Ag Event Centre. A sod turning is planned for May 10 at 2 p.m.
“I’m over the moon,” said Sherry Gummow, Ponoka Agriculture Society president. “It has been a long process and a lot of work by the community and those involved so it’s very exciting to be finally doing the sod turning.”
Taking place at the ag events centre site just south of the Ponoka Royal Canadian Legion, the sod turning marks the beginning of construction for the centre.
A four-way partnership with the Ponoka Ag Society, Ponoka Stampede Association, Ponoka County and the Town of Ponoka makes the centre possible.
While the Ponoka Ag Event Centre Society takes care of the strategic plans, the project received a big boost from the Stampede Association, which donated 14.45 acres of land near the stampede grounds.
Total costs were estimated at $8.5 million.
Gummow said the goal is to start working on the foundation by the end of May.
A reception at the Kinsmen Community Centre will follow the sod turning. Anyone wishing to RSVP is asked to call (403) 783-6348 or email dbolsen@platinum.ca