The Ponoka Stampede parade was as colourful as ever on Friday, June 28. This year’s parade theme was a salute to the 20th anniversary of the Ponoka Stampede Rodeo Challenge.
The parade marshall was Alberta Premier Jason Kenney, riding with WPCA chuckwagon driver Rick Fraser on top of a stagecoach. Kenney also spoke at the beginning of the afternoon rodeo performance on Friday.
Float contest winners
Bobtail Nursery was the 2019 best overall float winner.
In the professional category, Alberta Union of Provincial Employees was first, followed by Westerner Park.
Bobtail was first for non-professional and Siding 14 Brewery was second.
Maskwacis Education School Commission was first for non-commercial, and Maskwacis Summer Student Program was second.
In the mounted category, Avacal Equestrian took first place and the Redemption Riders were second.
The Crestomere 4-H multi-club were first for 4-H entries.
ABCD Crane was first for heavy hitch and VJV Auction was second.
First place in light horse hitch went to Justice and Solicitor General, Correctional Services Diviion and second place went to the Alberta Friesian Horse Association.
First place in the antique category went to Merv Pidherney and second place was awarded to Jim York.
The Ponoka Roping and Riding Association was first and Ponoka Minor Hockey was second in the sports and recreation category.
Best Marching Band was awarded to Red Deer Royals Marching Band, first place, and Lethbridge Collegiate Institute, second place.
The best non-marching band was the Woodynook Jammers.
For towns, cities and villages, Camrose’s Mirror Lake Express Train was first and Town of Ponoka was second.
