Ponoka Stampede

Second day filled with sunshine and good scores

Second day filled with sunshine and good scores

Day two of the Ponoka Stampede saw moves in some events and the start of chuckwagon racing

Second day filled with sunshine and good scores
JR Vezain comes out of the chute in the bareback Wednesday and has the lead after scoring an 86.5. Photo by Jordie Dwyer

Second day filled with sunshine and good scores

Day two of the Ponoka Stampede saw moves in some events and the start of chuckwagon racing

JR Vezain comes out of the chute in the bareback Wednesday and has the lead after scoring an 86.5. Photo by Jordie Dwyer
Stampede Senator: Joe Dodds speaks to attendees of the Ponoka Stampede media launch June 26 at the Wolf Creek Golf Resort. Dodds was recognized as a Stampede Senator for his many years of dedication as a Stampede director and for helping raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for the organization through the cattle raffle. Dodds was a director for many years and was president, and then past president in recent years. Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye

PHOTO: Ponoka Stampede recognizes a past director

Former Ponoka Stampede director Joe Dodds was recognized for his years supporting the association

Stampede Senator: Joe Dodds speaks to attendees of the Ponoka Stampede media launch June 26 at the Wolf Creek Golf Resort. Dodds was recognized as a Stampede Senator for his many years of dedication as a Stampede director and for helping raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for the organization through the cattle raffle. Dodds was a director for many years and was president, and then past president in recent years. Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye
Bull fighter Brett Monea keeps a close eye on this bull rider as the first day of the Ponoka Stampede closes with the bull riding event. Photos by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye

Ponoka Stampede gets out of the gate

The 82nd version of the largest seven-day rodeo in Canada started last night

Bull fighter Brett Monea keeps a close eye on this bull rider as the first day of the Ponoka Stampede closes with the bull riding event. Photos by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye
Josh Hyrnyk is the WPCA rookie for the 2018 season. He’s looking to grow his skills this season. Here he poses at the Ponoka Stampede tarp auction in May. Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye

WPCA rookie looks to new challenges for 2018 season

Josh Hyrnyk looks to grow his skills at Ponoka Stampede

Josh Hyrnyk is the WPCA rookie for the 2018 season. He’s looking to grow his skills this season. Here he poses at the Ponoka Stampede tarp auction in May. Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye
This Ponoka General Hospital float in a 1950s parade celebrated the opening of our first community hospital.

Reflections Stampede: Ponoka Stampede’s parade history

There are quite a few photos highlighting the history of the parade in this story

  • Jun 16, 2018
This Ponoka General Hospital float in a 1950s parade celebrated the opening of our first community hospital.
Remember When? This classic photo was taken during the first 1936 Ponoka Stampede, with the brand new wooden grandstand and bleachers as well as all the surrounding coral fences filled to capacity for one thrilling day of rodeo action, wagon races, midway rides and games of chance, a dance, and all sorts of rootin’-tootin’ action for the whole family. It has changed just a little over the past 82 years, but along the way all the new grandstands and grounds are always full of avid fans for what has now become the largest 7 day rodeo in Canada, staged in our great community that has and always will rustle up a warm welcome in the wild spirit of the old west. Photo courtesy of the Fort Ostell MuseuM

Remember Stampede: Taking a look at the 1936 Ponoka Stampede stands

These wooden stands created much excitement for fans of the Ponoka Stampede

  • Jun 16, 2018
Remember When? This classic photo was taken during the first 1936 Ponoka Stampede, with the brand new wooden grandstand and bleachers as well as all the surrounding coral fences filled to capacity for one thrilling day of rodeo action, wagon races, midway rides and games of chance, a dance, and all sorts of rootin’-tootin’ action for the whole family. It has changed just a little over the past 82 years, but along the way all the new grandstands and grounds are always full of avid fans for what has now become the largest 7 day rodeo in Canada, staged in our great community that has and always will rustle up a warm welcome in the wild spirit of the old west. Photo courtesy of the Fort Ostell MuseuM
Canadian Olympic medalist Catriona Le May Doan will be this year’s Ponoka Stampede parade marshal. Skate Canada photo

Olympic champion Catriona Le May Doan to be Ponoka Stampede parade marshall

Stampede president Blair Vold updates Ponoka Chamber on new developments for 2018

Canadian Olympic medalist Catriona Le May Doan will be this year’s Ponoka Stampede parade marshal. Skate Canada photo
All the way from Saskatoon, Sask., Darryl Andersen’s performance May 8 at the Ponoka Stampede Talent Show audition was good enough to land him a spot in the top 10. Those 10 performers will then head to the main stage during the Ponoka Stampede June 27. Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye

Ponoka artists make it to the Ponoka Stampede Talent Show

The big Stampede talent show comes on June 27 this year with a full band

All the way from Saskatoon, Sask., Darryl Andersen’s performance May 8 at the Ponoka Stampede Talent Show audition was good enough to land him a spot in the top 10. Those 10 performers will then head to the main stage during the Ponoka Stampede June 27. Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye
An auctioneer yells out a big “Yup!” May 4 during the Ponoka Stampede WPCA tarp auction. The event brought in $375,500. Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye

Ponoka Stampede tarp auction breaks $375,000 mark

The development of a new corporate suites with stands was announced at the auction

An auctioneer yells out a big “Yup!” May 4 during the Ponoka Stampede WPCA tarp auction. The event brought in $375,500. Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye
Alicia Erickson was announced by Ponoka Stampede as the 2018 Miss Ponoka Stampede April 3. Here she poses with Michele Greer, Miss Ponoka Stampede 2017 at the Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame. Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye

Miss Ponoka Stampede 2018 hails from Trochu

Ponoka Stampede judges chose Alicia Erickson, from Trochu, out of four contestants

Alicia Erickson was announced by Ponoka Stampede as the 2018 Miss Ponoka Stampede April 3. Here she poses with Michele Greer, Miss Ponoka Stampede 2017 at the Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame. Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye
The 2016 Ponoka Stampede Queen Jadey van der Vlis stands with 2017 Queen Michele Greer, who in a few months will pass on the crown to a new Queen. File photo

Ponoka Stampede list for Queen candidates healthy according to board

Word is as many as eight candidates could be vying to be 2018 Stampede Queen

The 2016 Ponoka Stampede Queen Jadey van der Vlis stands with 2017 Queen Michele Greer, who in a few months will pass on the crown to a new Queen. File photo
Leduc artist Donna King signs the special edition Ponoka Stampede posters Dec. 2. King was chosen to do this year’s poster, which features Harry Vold, the Duke of the Chutes. Vold passed away earlier this year. Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye

Ponoka Stampede poster honours Duke of the Chutes

This year’s Ponoka Stampede poster features none other than rodeo stock contractor Harry Vold

Leduc artist Donna King signs the special edition Ponoka Stampede posters Dec. 2. King was chosen to do this year’s poster, which features Harry Vold, the Duke of the Chutes. Vold passed away earlier this year. Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye
Ponoka Stampede sets sights on new grandstand

Ponoka Stampede sets sights on new grandstand

Among the expansion plans will include 16 new corporate suites for the association

Ponoka Stampede sets sights on new grandstand
Stampede Winner: The staff at Ponoka Eyecare pose in their western wear and show their Canadian pride alongside the store’s display that won the 2017 Ponoka Stampede business decorating best overall award. The business also was awarded best dressed staff and the closest to the theme award, as the 2017 theme focused on 81 years of Stampede, Canada 150 and Alberta 4-H hitting the century mark. The other winners included: best comedy display - ATB Financial; best interior - WyCo Drug Testing; best exterior display - Ponoka Rising Sun Clubhouse; and, best window display - Ponoka News.Photo submitted

PHOTO: An Eye for decorating

A Ponoka business takes three Stampede decorating awards in annual contest

  • Jul 5, 2017
Stampede Winner: The staff at Ponoka Eyecare pose in their western wear and show their Canadian pride alongside the store’s display that won the 2017 Ponoka Stampede business decorating best overall award. The business also was awarded best dressed staff and the closest to the theme award, as the 2017 theme focused on 81 years of Stampede, Canada 150 and Alberta 4-H hitting the century mark. The other winners included: best comedy display - ATB Financial; best interior - WyCo Drug Testing; best exterior display - Ponoka Rising Sun Clubhouse; and, best window display - Ponoka News.Photo submitted
Ponoka cowboys a bright light at Stampede Showdown

Ponoka cowboys a bright light at Stampede Showdown

Several local cowboys take centre stage in Ponoka Stampede finale

Ponoka cowboys a bright light at Stampede Showdown
Cole Scott of Kamloops, B.C. captures this steer July 2 at the Ponoka Stampede but it wasn’t enough to land him a spot in the finals. Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye

Last shot at Ponoka Stampede finals on Day 6

It was move it or lose it on Sunday at the Ponoka Stampede for a shot at the big money

Cole Scott of Kamloops, B.C. captures this steer July 2 at the Ponoka Stampede but it wasn’t enough to land him a spot in the finals. Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye
Parade magic: Ponoka Stampede’s 3-Mile parade did not disappoint June 30 with a variety of floats including several marching bands, floats from Maskwacis, community groups and more. By the time the first floats finished, the last float was heading out on the route. Photos by Jordie Dwyer

PHOTOS: Stampede Parade

A selection of photos from the annual three mile long Ponoka Stampede Parade June 30

Parade magic: Ponoka Stampede’s 3-Mile parade did not disappoint June 30 with a variety of floats including several marching bands, floats from Maskwacis, community groups and more. By the time the first floats finished, the last float was heading out on the route. Photos by Jordie Dwyer
Canada Day in style: Ponoka was full of Canada Day festivities from music and fun activities at Centennial Park with photos in the park and a bouncy castle and more to a big celebration of Canada in the Ponoka Stampede grandstands. Here Elisha and Matthew Cox pose for a photo to celebrate the big day. The day concluded with a bang of fireworks paid for by the Town of Ponoka and the Ponoka Stampede Association. Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye

Canadians do okay on Canada Day in Ponoka Stampede Day 5

A few more locals, other Canadians set themselves up to potentially qualify for finals

Canada Day in style: Ponoka was full of Canada Day festivities from music and fun activities at Centennial Park with photos in the park and a bouncy castle and more to a big celebration of Canada in the Ponoka Stampede grandstands. Here Elisha and Matthew Cox pose for a photo to celebrate the big day. The day concluded with a bang of fireworks paid for by the Town of Ponoka and the Ponoka Stampede Association. Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye
Bulls beat riders: So far the bulls are winning against the bull riders at this week’s Ponoka Stampede action. At the end of the fourth day of rodeo there were only four riders who were not bucked off. Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye

Ponoka Stampede heads into weekend with little change

Day 4 saw things remain steady heading into the July long weekend

Bulls beat riders: So far the bulls are winning against the bull riders at this week’s Ponoka Stampede action. At the end of the fourth day of rodeo there were only four riders who were not bucked off. Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye