Even before the stampede, Ponoka is getting in to the cowboy spirit.
The Ponoka Legion will host Cowboy Poetry and Music June 23. The afternoon show will run from 1:30 to 5 p.m. and the evening show will run from 7 to 10 p.m. Supper will be available at 5:30 p.m.
The event will feature local artists Hazel Rust, Fred Doberstein, Hugh Kelly and Jessica St. Dennis, who was a top 10 finalist of the 2011 Talent Show held by the Ponoka Stampede Association.
In total there are 11 performers; five poets and six musicians. Some are from Nashville, some from all over, but most are local, said Kelly.
Kelly, who is the event co-ordinator for the first time this year, has performed at the event for three or four years. He performed for the first time before the age of four; he’s now in his 70s.
“It’s just bringing good clean entertainment for the town.”
The proceeds from the event will be given to charity.
“One year it was STARS and another year it was the wheelchair van in Ponoka,” said Kelly.
According to Reg Rust, a volunteer and member of the Western Poetry Association, said usually fans and other members of the Western Poetry Association, travel 200 to 300 miles to Ponoka for the event.
On June 24 at 8 a.m. there will be a pancake breakfast followed by cowboy church at 10 a.m.
Both will be held at the legion.
There will also be free camping at the legion for the duration of the Stampede and a shuttle service running to the Stampede Grounds from the legion.
Tickets are $15 per show and can be purchased at the legion. However, a limited number of tickets are available.
For information and tickets, contact Reg Rust at 403-783-5917 or 403-350-0997, or contact Hugh Kelly at 403-782-5021.