Ponoka has always been well-represented at the Canadian Finals Rodeo (CFR) where the top cowboys in the country vie for bragging rights in their respective categories. This year is no different.
Nine cowboys and girls from the Ponoka area have earned a chance to be the best at this year’s CFR planned for Nov. 5 to 9 in Edmonton. To give them a proper send-off, the Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame, the Ponoka Ag Event Centre Society (PAECS) and the Ponoka Stampede and Exhibition Association are planning a night for fans to meet these local athletes.
The event will be hosted at the hall of fame at the Calnash Ag Event Centre Wednesday, Oct. 29 starting at 6:30 p.m., says organizer Brenda Vold.
“I just feel it’s nice to recognize the contestants from Ponoka and area,” explained Vold.
She cannot remember a time when there wasn’t a Ponoka cowboy at the CFR and Vold says there were competitors from town who competed in the very first CFR event. There has always been a strong showing from the area, adding “and in the last few years in particular”.
Once PAECS and the Stampede Association heard of her plans, they jumped at the opportunity to support the evening. “So far the response is really good,” according to Vold.
Meet the athletes:
Jake Vold is the bareback rider leader and has also earned himself a spot at the National Finals Rodeo in the United States. “Ponoka has not had an NFR contestant for many years,” said Vold.
Luke Butterfield was the 2012 saddle bronc rider champion who is looking at another stab at the title.
Dean Edge is a tie-down roper from Rimbey who has competed at the Ponoka Stampede and has become a regular competitor at the CFR.
Levi Simpson is a team roper looking to be one of the best Canadian headers in the event.
Tyrel Flewelling is a heeler from Lacombe who got his start with the Battle River High School Rodeo Association and is also a CFR champion.
Logan Bonnett got his pro card last May and will be competing as a team roping header in his first ever CFR. “To make the CFR in four months of rodeo is quite an accomplishment,” said Vold.
Tyler Pankewitz is a bull rider who sits seventh in the Canadian bull riding standings.
Brook Robertson is coming to her first ever CFR in the barrel racing competition, she sits 11th in the standings.
Trygve Pugh is sixth in the steer wrestler standings is eager to catch the title.
Also being recognized at the meet and greet will be this year’s Miss Ponoka Stampede, Katy Lucas, who is heading to the Miss Rodeo Canada pageant to compete for the title. And Wetaskiwin bull fighter Brett Monea will be heading to the CFR for his second year.