A large contingent of Ponoka contestants set out for the Canadian Finals Rodeo in Red Deer on Nov. 3, but only a few can win championship titles when competing against the best cowboys and cowgirls in Canada.
Contestants from the Ponoka-area that competed in CFR47 were Jake Vold, Wacey Finkbeiner, Zane Lambert, Justine Elliott, Shelby Spielman, Shayna Weir, Taylor, Tyrel and Tel Flewelling, Klay Whyte, Kash, Keely and Logan Bonnett, Brett Buss, Jestin Jacklin and Nash Loewen.
Elliott from Lacombe was the barrel racing champion, despite not winning a go-round, taking her first Canadian title.
Spielman, who lives in Ponoka, placed sixth in the average in barrel racing.
Vold from Ponoka, now residing in Carstairs, came in seventh in the average in the bareback.
The three-time champion took an early lead, coming in at the top on the second night, but slipped to eighth place in the third performance. He fared better in the fourth round, coming third, but double grabbed in the fifth round.
His time on night six was good enough for sixth place, and he ultimately finished in seventh.
Local Kash Bonnett, with partner Logan Spady, tied for fourth place in the avearge in team roping.
Logan and Keely Bonnett finished in sixth place in the average and Buss and Whyte came in ninth.
Also in the team roping, Tel and Tyrell Flewelling ended up in 12th in the average.
Taylor Flewelling came in third place in the ladies breakaway.
Loewen won the fourth go-round in boys steer riding, coming in first place in the average and second overall. Jacklin was fourth in the average.
Hometown Ponoka bull riders Finkbeiner and Lambert had some tough luck, failing to record any scores.
Miss Ponoka Stampede Naomi Akkermans competed in the Miss Rodeo Canada pageant, however, the crown ultimately went to Sundre contestant Jayden Calvert.
Two of the CFR47 bullfighters, voted in by the cowboys and cowgirls to protect them, were Kris Buffalo of Maskwacis and Brett Monea from Wetaskiwin.
For full results, visit rodeocanada.com.
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