After being on sale for just two months, the Ponoka Stampede Association (PSA) 2025 Cattle Raffle is already one-third of the way sold out.
With a total of 6,000 tickets, about 2,000 were already sold as of Jan. 28, according to PSA director Terry Jones, who handles the annual raffle.
"The tickets are selling well online because the cattle are worth so much this year," said Jones, adding because of current market prices, the heifer's value is quite high.
Jones recommends avoiding disappointment by getting your tickets early as they're always completely sold out within the first few days of the Stampede.
The raffle details remain consistent from year to year: one lucky winner will walk away with either $75,000 in cash or 40 top-quality, pasture-bred black Angus heifers.
The raffle supports local producers and only the best quality animals are selected for the Ponoka Stampede's raffle, he said.
"We buy heifers locally and always from a different rancher and they're always top-quality because that's what we're known for."
When a rancher wins the grand prize, they always take the cattle because of the quality, he said.
As always, the bulls are donated by Brian and Judy Sutter of Atlasta Angus.
The proceeds of the Cattle Raffle go towards facility improves on the Ponoka Stampede Grounds.
While there isn't a major project currently "on the screen," for the board, in recent years, the raffle has funded the expansion of the Stagecoach Saloon and the addition of the Showdown Dance Hall as well as the newest grandstand.
"It's helped a lot of facilities," said Jones.
As always, the PSA appreciates the support from everyone who purchases tickets.
"People just buy a ticket to help the Ponoka Stampede out, I find," said Jones, adding some see it as a donation, and if their ticket is pulled, it's a bonus.
Tickets can be purchased online at ponokastampede.com or in-person at Jones Boys Saddlery and Western Wear, Ponoka Veterinary Clinic, Ponoka Co-Op Oils Ltd., VJV Auction and Ponoka Fertilizer.
