By Adam Jackson
Bring your mother, father, brother, sister and kids, the 2011 Ponoka County Fair has something for everyone.
The Ponoka County Fair is Aug. 13 and 14.
“It’s just a good time for the whole family,” said ag society president Sherry Gummow.
The fair, which started as a bench show more than 100 years ago, has quickly evolved into a spectacle that draws in thousands of spectators every year.
The county fair brings back the fan favourites from the past five years — the bench show, Ranch Rodeo, team roping, horse show, barrel racing, stock dog competitions, pancake breakfasts and many more.
“It’s basically two days jam-packed full of events,” said Gummow.
For those looking to compete in the bench show, where farmers, carpenters, artists and others can compete for top prize in many different categories, the submission deadline is Aug. 12. Entrants need to fill out a form available at www.ponokaagsociety.ca and bring it to the Stagecoach Saloon on either Aug. 11 from 5 to 9 p.m. or Aug. 12 between 8 and 11 a.m.
The action starts Aug. 13 at 8:30 a.m. with the horse show in the arena at the Stampede grounds.
At 9 a.m. bench show exhibits open for viewing and entertainment for children, including Rainbow the Clown, airbrush tattoos, face painting and a barrel train are available throughout the day.
There will also be many events in the arena including team roping, the Ranch Rodeo, dog agility shows and a new one for this year — Alberta Mounted Shooters.
The mounted shooters use a wild west approach to the competition as they will be shooting from horses — while they run.
Admission for each day is $10 for adults, $6 for youth aged six to 16 and children five and under are admitted free.