Community fairs and picnics have always been a fun event for the entire family, and although many changes have been made along the way, these annual summer shindigs will always be extremely popular in and around our community.
As the pioneer families converged in great numbers into the growing Ponoka town and lush surrounding districts in the early 20th century, they survived and thrived together with hard work, fashioning their future dreams with new ideas and determination, but always found quality time for some good old neighbourly fun and frolic!
Our hardy forefathers always loved to share and show off their bountiful harvests and creations, and this was likely the humble beginning of our delightful county fairs. Our history books tell us that the first official Ponoka Fair was held in 1904 in tents and wagons next to the Canadian Pacific Railway tracks. Under the ongoing direction of the Ponoka Agricultural Society, which was formed in 1903, these bustling county fairs would quickly gain great interest, and attracted hundreds of folks and families from near and far. The August event got so popular that it was later moved up to the present Stampede grounds, where barns, buildings, and bleachers were erected, and the two-day event would also include games and attractions for all ages, a small midway, and exciting rodeo and racing events.
By 1921 the Ponoka County Fair would attract more than 1,200 exhibits of livestock, agriculture, and horticulture, as well as unique homemaking arts, personal skills, and hobbies from all age groups and walks of life. Despite the tough times during the Dirty Thirties and a slow down in the war years, many dedicated volunteers from the town and county always worked together to promote the agricultural society and annual Ponoka County Fair as a major attraction for many generations to enjoy. The Ponoka district was also well represented at countless other competitions throughout the province, and earned many awards and prizes in all categories.
Other milestones for the very active group over the years included the sponsorship of the flower show by the IODE, the addition of landscaping awards, the formation of the Ponoka Horticultural Society in 1949, and the steady addition of annual sponsorships, cash prizes, trophies, trays, ribbons, and new events and competitions for all age groups. During the gala recognition of Canada’s Centennial in 1967, the Ponoka Agricultural Society teamed with the Town of Ponoka and County of Ponoka in funding process a new arena complex, which would be the home of the annual Ponoka County Fair and many other 4-H and agriculture events for decades.
Over the years the Alberta Association of Agriculture Societies has established a more ‘business like’ tone for their volunteer societies, asking them to review their long-term goals and visions, as well as establishing new plans and events that would accommodate the vital family setting.
The enthusiasm, excitement, and spirit of the Ponoka County Fair and the Ag Society has always remained the same, constantly striving to maintain and expand on their ambitious motto, which is to promote, support, and encourage agricultural opportunities in our urban and rural community. This
month the Ponoka Agricultural Society is looking forward to hosting their gala 2011 event on Aug.13 and 14 at the Stampede grounds. Executive members include: president Sherry Gummow, vice-president Joyce Winter, secretary Rick Angeltvedt, treasurer Cecilia Dyskstra, and directors Theresa Abt, Karen Douglass, Larry Lentz, Lauraine Weir, Greg Bowie, Craig Jacklin, and Dennis Pugh, who certainly appreciate the ongoing support and participation of the community and districts, and the many kindly sponsors of the Ponoka County Fair.
The Ponoka Agricultural Society is also excited about the opening of the new Ag Events Centre, a facility that they have proudly partnered and promoted with the Town of Ponoka, Ponoka County, and Ponoka Stampede Association to bring to our community.
The traditional bench show displays will feature art and photography, flowers and vegetables, baking and canning, grasses and grains, sewing and knitting, and arts and crafts; while arena events will include a horse show, team roping, barrel racing, ranch rodeo, stock trials, and wild and woolly mutton bustin’. Other exciting family events at the 2011 Ponoka County Fair will be demonstrations of agility dogs, sheep shearing, and wool spinning and weaving, with other activities and hands on events by the Alberta Mounted Shooters, a carnival for Kids at Heart, Rainbow the Clown, a barrel train and petting zoo, commercial exhibitors and food concessions, free pancake breakfasts, church service, and so much more.
Entries for the bench show will be accepted on Thursday, Aug. 11 from 5 to 9 p.m. and Friday, Aug.12 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., followed by judging at 12:30 p.m.
Pick up a 2011 Ponoka County Fair booklet around town, and join in on all the traditional family summer fun.