Carson Ellis
For Ponoka News
The Ponoka Stampede has put together a series of Alberta talent to sing the national anthem at each and every one of this year’s shows.
Opening night will have 22 year-old Emma Funk of Bonneyville starting off the rodeo.
Funk said she started singing in church, and took the opportunity to sing at the Stampede last year.
She said that everyone was friendly and welcoming to her last year, and is excited to do it again. Her performance last year opened the doors to sing at other events as well.
Red Deer’s Tina Mah performs on the 27.
Mah said she has great respect for the talent and courage it takes to compete in the many rodeo events.
Christina Pugh has been coming to the Stampede for 21 years. She enjoys the yearly week-long tradition.
The sixth-generation rancher from the Dorothy area enjoys the way the Stampede pays tribute to the western way of life, and how it is a genuine experience.
Jessica Dixon hails from the Spruce Grove area, and has been a big fan of the Stampede for many years.
She appreciates not only the many people who come together to share and preserve the western way of life, but she also pointed out it’s a wonderful event for the animal athletes.
Quinn River from Winfield has always loved the Stampede. She admires the level of professionalism that is shown every year.
Canada Day will see a member of the Vold family performing the anthem.
Wayne Vold has been a long-time rodeo rider, earning several national titles for saddle bronc. The 2008 Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Famer is the head of Wayne Vold Rodeo which provides stock to rodeos as far away as Morris, Manitoba.
He has also sung the anthem on several occasions at the NFR on Canadian night.
There are also three singers lined up for July 2.
Colleen Trautman starts things off in the afternoon. Afterwards, Ashley Law and David Winson Roy Vold will perform for the Stampede finals with Law performing the American anthem and Vold performing the Canadian anthem.
Check out our page on Ponoka News for daily coverage of rodeo action and all you need to know about concerts, entertainment and attractions.
