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Bring back Stampede talent show

Dear Editor:

Have you ever experienced something, a single moment in your life that changed your outlook on everything?

When I started singing it was just something that I thought was cool when I was younger. Watching all the big stars on TV I thought it was just a dream for me to be on a big stage with a band and screaming crowd calling my name. It was something that I thought would never happen until I entered to win a chance to sing on the stage at the Ponoka Stampede.

I was nervous and didn’t think I was that good but then I was chosen along with a few others to sing in front of more than 4,000 people. Singing at the Ponoka Stampede was something I had dreamed of. When I stepped on that stage for the first time I was so nervous when the music started but I sang my heart out! But when the band stopped and I could hear the roar of the crowd screaming and applauding my performance. It was an experience of a lifetime and something that I will never forget.

The reason I am writing this letter is to hopefully catch the attention of the Ponoka Stampede Association. I am hoping that this year they will bring back their talent show. I am not the only one who was upset about the talent show being cancelled. It isn’t just about trying to become famous; it’s about following your dreams and doing what you believe you were meant to do. I think it is a big deal to a lot of people — not just us from Ponoka but from all of central Alberta. I want anyone who has the same dream as I did to be able to experience it.

I just want the Ponoka Stampede Association to know how much it means to a lot of people in Ponoka and that they should bring it back. I am willing to find volunteers to help me plan it and contact some possible sponsors.

Samantha MacKinnon