MP Blaine Calkins pays tribute to Ponoka Stampede

OTTAWA -- Ponoka-Didsbury MP Blaine Calkins rose in the House of Commons to pay tribute to the Ponoka Stampede.

The annual event is now into its 90th year and will once again feature its world-renowned rodeo events between June 25 and July 1. For this year, the Ponoka Stampede will be undertaking the theme "Year of the Cowgirl". In his statement, Calkins talked about the importance of the event and its impact throughout the local region. 

"Mr. Speaker, folks can grab their hats, dust off them boots and polish up them buckles. The arena lights will be blazing, the chutes loaded and the thunder of hooves shaking the ground. The 90th Ponoka Stampede is just around the corner, and it is fixing to be one for the books," said Calkins. "At the get-go, the Ponoka Stampede was a two-day event organized by local cowboy and veteran George MacKeddie. With an admission price of 25 cents, spectators could see saddle bucking, bareback riding, chariot racing, pony races, Roman races, and more. Soon after, chuck racing and premium bucking broncs were added to the stampede, which put Ponoka on the map as an internationally acclaimed show and one of the top rodeos in the world."

The Ponoka Stampede will officially get underway at 9:00 a.m. on June 25 with the Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame at the Calnash Ag Event Centre, followed by the Canadian Greatest Horseman Herding. For this year, the annual downtown parade will take place starting at 10:00 a.m. on June 26, while musical events are scheduled throughout the week's festivities. 

"Each year, over 800 volunteers put in over 3,000 hours during the week-long celebration, with support from over 30 local community organizations," said Calkins. "From 3,000 spectators in the mid-1930s to over 100,000 spectators today, the Ponoka Stampede sets the standard for celebrating our great western heritage. Folks can come on out and join us in Ponoka between June 25 and July 1 for a grand old time. Yee-haw!"

Del Vold and Elva Lewis will serve as honourary presidents for this year's event.