Canada Day long weekend

Ponoka is home to the Ponoka Stampede, a seven-day rodeo. It is held at the end of June or the beginning of July.

The Ponoka Sports Association was formed around 1920, with their first event being a Stampede to raise funds for the Community Restroom. 1936 saw the advent of a 2-day Stampede, Carnival and Sports Event celebrating the July 1st holiday; this was the inception of the Ponoka Stampede.

The first Ponoka Stampede was led by a tough, rugged cowboy named George MacKeddie.The thrills and chills of rodeo sport attracted fans from near and far in 1936.

Photos:  flickr /courthouselover; jasonwoodhead23 – Ponoka Stampede 2018, CC BY 2.0