Cowboys will once again be riding into Ponoka for a New Year’s rodeo to claim as much of the prize money up for grabs as they can.
The Ponoka Calnash Ag Event Centre is producing the New Year’s Eve Bucking Bash, with Rod Hays at the helm of the bronc competition and Duane Robinson and Nanson Vold taking care of the bull’s side.
“We want to do something here at the building to promote the roughstock end of things,” said co-manager Dennis Pugh.
“Basically what it is is a presentation of the young riders,” he added.
The event consists of four competitions in two events. Eight contractors will provide 32 bulls for the bull maturity where it will not only be the riders competing. “What it is is a competition between the contractors themselves . . . there’s a jackpot for them,” said Pugh.
The same structure will also apply to the bronc futurity, leading to a total of four jackpots, 64 animals and approximately $16,000 in the pot.
The ag centre is contributing $4,000 to the bronc competition and another $4,000 to the maturity, with $2,500 going to each rider pool and $1,500 to the animals.
An initial 24 cowboys on each side will be whittled down to eight for the short go.
The event takes place Dec. 31 at 7 p.m. with doors opening at 6 p.m. with a cabaret to follow. Tickets can be purchased at the ag event centre and Jones Boys Saddlery and Western Wear. People with questions can contact the Calnash Ag Event Centre at 403-755-8490 or 403-790-7895.