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Town of Ponoka cleans up in Celebrity Challenge

Big feet, crazy cows and tangled rope were just some of the highlights at the Celebrity Challenge hosted by the Ponoka Agricultural Society on Aug. 8.

The Celebrity Challenge was part of the Ponoka County Fair and involved many dignitaries and business members of the community.

Many people gathered in the curling arena at the Ponoka Culture and Recreation Complex to watch teams of local rivals face off against each other in different challenges in friendly competitions. The Town of Ponoka competed against Ponoka County, the Ponoka Stampede Association took on the Ponoka Ag Society, the RCMP challenged the Ponoka Fire Department and Sunny 94 contended for the win against Ponoka News.

The Town took the overall win and was awarded with the coveted rooster trophy.

Mayor Larry Henkelman was part of the team and had fun taking on the County. He enjoyed competing and was pleased with the team spirit of each of the groups.

“It was a great contest for everyone that came,” said Henkelman. “It was great competition.”

Councilor Jack Surbey was a member of the winning team and had fun testing his skills in the competition.

“It was a good time,” said Surbey. “I don’t think we deserved the win, some things weren’t working for us but everyone had fun and that’s the main thing.”

The Town also won the Celebrity Challenge last year and says that their trophy will once again be displayed in the council chambers.

Sherry Gummow, president of the Ag Society and organizer of the Celebrity Challenge was pleased with the competitors and the number of spectators and believes that the event positively adds to the community.

“I thought it was fun and went really well,” said Gummow. “It was great that everyone showed up and I’m really happy with the turnout. It’s really good for community spirit.”

The competitions included team racing where teams of three stood on big plywood feet and tried to move in sync towards the finish line, calf roping with a plastic cow, ball throwing, log sawing and wild cow milking of cutout cows.