Sandy Alsop
Fort Ostell Museum for the News
The history books tell us that during the breaks of those rugged cattle drives across the prairies, in the late 1800s the ranch hands would let loose and test their skills against the toughest steers or drop a little wager to see who could tame the wildest broncos.
The Ponoka Sports Association was formed around 1920 with their first event being a stampede to raise funds for the community restroom. 1936 saw the advent of a two day stampede, carnival and sports event on the July 1st holiday. The stampede and sports events were held on the Stampede Grounds and the carnival was held in the curling rink (51 Street and 46 Avenue). Attendance was estimated to be between 3,000 to 4,000 people (compared to 63,000 tickets sold in 2010).
As a result of this success it was decided to make it an annual affair.
As activities increased on the grounds, facilities were added such as a wooden covered grandstand, barns, and buildings. Many amenities have been added to those spacious grounds, including two first class grandstands with a capacity of over 7,000 fans, one of the finest race tracks in Canada, a campground, and other added attractions that are well utilized from spring through to fall.
As the sport of rodeo became more popular both locally and throughout western Canada many keen competitors and champions emerged and the crowds came out in great gusto to cheer on the extreme skills, thrills and spills. Rodeo grew rapidly in Canada, with many of our talented contestants competing in up to 60 rodeos a year, as well as traveling the long road into the United States to try and grab a piece of their rich purses. Prize money in the first Ponoka Stampede was $486.37, by 1973 it had reached $15,000 and in 2010 it was $280,000.
In 1937 the Ponoka Sports Association was incorporated with 25 members, most of whom were local businessmen; while today there are 18 in the Ponoka Stampede Association with over 225 years of inherited ongoing experience under their buckles and most have agricultural backgrounds.
The wonderful traditions that have and will always carry in at our stampede are the always warm and friendly welcomes and support from our community, a first class show in all regards, and the fond memories in honor of all those who have made it all come together since Ponoka became a town.
Events in 1936 were:
Saddle Bucking
Bucking Horse
Bareback Riding
Wild Cow Milking
Wild Horse Race
1 Mile Relay Race
5/8 Free for All
½ Mile Pony Race
½ Mile Chariot Race
Kiddies’ Shetland Pony Race
½ Mile Indian Race
Stake Race
Boys’ Races - 10 & Under (Children with physical or mental challenges)
- 16 & Under
Girls’ Races -10 & Under
- 16 & Under
Ladies Softball
Events in 2010 were:
Bareback Riding
Tie Down Roping
Steer Wrestling
Saddle Bronc
Team Roping
Barrel Racing
Bull Riding
Chuck Wagon Races
Wild Cow Milking
Kids’ Pony Racing
Boys’ Steer Riding
Rodeo Challenge