This Samson Cree Nation dancer was part of the award winning entry in the non-professional category at the annual Ponoka Stampede parade June 29. Photos by Jordie Dwyer
Ponoka Stampede parade float awards:
Best overall — Auction Place; Professional — 1) Western Budget Motel, 2) Calgary Exhibition; Non-professional — 1) Samson Cree Nation Royalty, 2) Samson Cree Nation; Non-commercial — 1) Wolf Creek Public Schools, 2) Ako Child and Family Services; Mounted — 1) VJV Auction, 2) Benalto Pro Rodeo; 4-H — 1) Crestomere 4-H; Heavy hitch — Mike and Amanda Cope, 2) Boys and Girls Club; Light horse hitch — 1) Auction Place, 2) Diamond B Ranch; Antique — 1) Harry McNeil, 2) Pat Trotter; Decorated vehicles — 1) Newcap Radio 95.5/98.9 FM, 2) Betty Clark; Sports and Rec — Ponoka Riding and Roping Assn., 2) NEA Summer Student Program; Children — Luke Doornewaard; Best marching band — 1) Red Deer Royals, 2) SDA Church; Best non-marching band — Woodynook Jammers; Towns, cities, villages — 1) Town of Ponoka, 2) Samson Cree Nation Maskwacis
These drummers from the Samson Cree Nation showcased the First Nations culture on one of the two floats from the First Nation to take awards at the Ponoka Stampede parade.The three-mile Ponoka Stampede parade on June 29 is a long way to walk for the marching bands, including the Spirit of Alberta marching band from Magrath.Getting a tan and a message is probably the best way to make the Ponoka Stampede parade go fast on this float from Ponoka’s Altitude Spa.Old classic vehicles such as this one were plentiful during the Ponoka Stampede parade.Getting some water treatment from some Town of Ponoka staff was a great way to cool off for some people at the Stampede parade.Kids were not only hoping to get some candy along the Stampede parade route, but were also the ones handing it out from various floats like this girl who was part of the Ako Child and Family Services entry.The Red Deer Royals marching band, a staple at the Stampede parade, belted out a number of songs to the enjoyment of all those gathered along the route.VJV’s Stampede parade entry was one of several horse entries, but the only one to walk off with first place in the mounted float category this year.Mascots, clowns and some other entertainers were also part of those participating in the parade, with this interesting clown ‘walking’ his dog to the delight of some children looking on.This marching band provided yet another unique sound among the many that took part in the Stampede parade this year.
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