By Tiffany Williams
Editor
The Ponoka County Fair is just around the corner and is a time to celebrate the importance of agriculture in the community. The fair will run Aug. 8 to 10 at the Ponoka Recreation and Culture Complex and some events at the Ponoka Stampede Grounds.
The theme of this year’s fair is ‘Celebrating 100 years of Agriculture,’ and president of the Ponoka Agriculture Society Sherry Gummow says that this year it is all about agriculture and they have enhanced a lot of things along with the traditional bench show.
“It brings a focus to agriculture and the traditional way of life. If you see a handmade quilt it makes you think about the hours of work that was put into it and appreciate it. It really is a different kind of lifestyle,” said Gummow.
The Ponoka Ag society was incorporated in 1973 and this year they are celebrating 35 years but Gummow notes that the Ag Society has been around for more than 100 years according to the Ponoka history books and this year they wanted to celebrate and recognize 100 years of agriculture.
Complementing the 100 year theme there will be some different activities run by Fort Ostell Museum including making butter, washing clothes by hand and rug making.
“You will be able to experience things firsthand. We are trying to add different elements of entertainment and education,” she said.
This year for the first time ever the Glenn and Dorothea Crandall Collection will be on display before it will be moving to its permanent home at a museum in Leduc. There will be select pieces on display of antique farming equipment, which was all restored by Glenn Crandall a local now retired farmer.
Gummow says that things are very busy as the planning continues and this year there are a lot of events planned for the kids.
“We really stepped it up for the kids this year,” said Gummow.
The petting zoo will run on Aug. 9 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is all new this year. Also, new for kids this year is the barrel train. It is a ride where 10 gallon barrels are pulled behind a trailer and the kids sit in the barrels. It will be at the arena on Aug. 9 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Rainbow the Clown is set to make an appearance with magnificent balloon sculptures for children of all ages.
There will be a bike and tractor rodeo on Aug. 10 and Gummow suggests that anyone wanting to participate should register early. The bike rodeo is an obstacle course and different timed events. Anyone wanting to participate should also plan to wear their helmets. The tractor rodeo is for youth ages 13 to 17 years of age. It will be with different lawn tractors with timed events so they can try out their driving skills.
“We want people to come to the county fair and have fun,” said Gummow.
The County Fair will run Aug. 8 to 10 and for more information on call Gummow at 403-783-0730.