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Ponoka Stampede: One of the world’s largest rodeos

80,000 fans, 800 volunteers, $800,000 in payouts
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Cody Cassidy readies himself for landing this steer during his Canada Day finals run at the Ponoka Stampede. See page 5 for more local rodeo results and photos. Photo by Jordie Dwyer

One of Ponoka’s signature events — although cancelled in 2020 because of COVID-19 — is the Ponoka Stampede.

The Ponoka Stampede is one of the world’s largest rodeos for payouts, and it features the largest single-day bull-riding event in the world.

The event has 80,000 fans, more than 80 years of history, and $800,000 in prize money.

Organizers are vowing to hold the rodeo once again in 2021. For more information when planning your future trip, check this website.

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Young cowboys and cowgirls try their luck on this rodeo dummy in a Rodeo Challenge-themed float in the Ponoka Stampede parade. The Ponoka Stampede is one of the largest rodeos in the world. (Black Press Media file photo)