Skip to content

Stampede Association gearing up for a busy rodeo week

The Ponoka Stampede Association is getting ready for a busy week when cowboys come rolling in to Ponoka.

The Ponoka Stampede and Exhibition Association is getting ready for another busy week when cowboys come rolling in for the one of the largest pro rodeos in Canada.

Vice-president Blair Vold spoke with members of the Ponoka and District Chamber of Commerce Tuesday, May 19 at the Calnash Ag Event Centre about the association’s plans for the week of June 25 to July 1.

Blair said later in an interview that last year’s stampede had quite high numbers of tickets sold. “We were very happy with our numbers last year and this year looks like it’s going to be good, too,” he explained.

“My goal is to sell 90,000 to 100,000 tickets this year,” he added.

Vold said there would be two exciting concerts this year accompanying the rodeo action: Sawyer Brown on June 25 and Josh Turner on June 30.

He reminded that Sawyer Brown was the first entertainer to perform at the Ponoka Stampede when the association introduced live music several years ago. He added that Josh Turner is an exciting act to have in Ponoka.

For other entertainment, Vold announced trick roper LaRue Olson, a fourth generation cowboy, would be performing at the Ponoka Stampede.

With plans in full swing to ensure the week goes on without a hitch, the association has been meeting with many stakeholders including the Town and County of Ponoka as well as sponsors and volunteers.

“We’re looking forward to working with the town,” said Vold.

Getting the name out with social media

Last year saw a shift in how the association gets its name out there with a push to promote the busy week with social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

The group has hired a communications person to promote the busy week and to connect with rodeo fans.