Ponoka Stampede 2017

Rodeo fans have the chance to catch the thrills and excitement presented during one of the largest Western sporting events in the world when the Ponoka Stampede begins in Alberta, Canada on June 27 through July 3.

Ponoka Rodeo History

During challenging cattle drives, ranch hands regularly unwound and had fun by demonstrating their skills during a friendly competition. The events inspired the development of the Ponoka Sports Association in 1920. Soon, the first stampede was born. By 1936, the Ponoka Stampede evolved into a two-day event. For the price of $0.25, fans enjoyed a variety of western events, which included chariot races, Roman races, Indian races and wild cow milking along with a lineup of traditional rodeo competitions. Prize money at the time ranged from $0.50 to $6.00.

Today, more than eight decades later, the event attracts 80,000 fans from around the world who watch cowboys and cowgirls compete for $800,000 in prize money.

Ponoka Rodeo Events

Beginning on June 27, the rodeo begins at 1:00 P.M. with the following events:

• Bareback riding
  
• Bull riding
• Boy’s steer riding
• Ladies barrel racing
• Novice bareback riding
• Novice saddle bronc riding
• Saddle bronc riding
• Steer wrestling
• Team roping
• Tie-down roping
  

Entertainment

On May 16 and 17, at 7:00 P.M., all budding recording artists are invited to compete in the Ponoka Stampede Star Talent Show. The top 10 artists will perform on stage during the stampede on June 28. Prizes will be awarded. Throughout the festivities there will also be a Western art show and sale.

On June 30, at 10:00 A.M. more than 10,000 spectators are expected to watch the 3-Mile Long Parade, which travels through downtown Ponoka. More than 150 floats participate in the festivities along with marching bands, classic cars and clowns.

After dark on June 27, 28 and July 1 and 2, the sky lights up during the spectacular fireworks displays.

Live entertainment will be provided on June 27 by Diamond Rio and on June 28 by Tim Hicks. During these days, guests are also encouraged to visit the Farmer’s Market in the Arena Complex.

On June 30 and July 1, the Ponoka Stampede Beer Gardens hosts the downtown dance.

2017 Ponoka Stampede Tickets

Tickets for all the events are available online at Ticketmaster. Visit Ponokastampede.com for access or call the hotline at (403) 783-0100 for comprehensive ticket packages.

Media Coverage

The Cowboy Lifestyle Network, the Ak-Chin Indian Community and Earnhardt Auto Centers along with Papa John’s Road Team will all be on hand to cover the Ponoka Rodeo events.

Last Updated on 04/29/2019 by Peter Varlet

About the Author:

Peter Varlet

Biography:

Peter Varlet’s the cowboy critic you love to hate, until he’s right. Born during a thunderstorm in 1972 in Bismarck, North Dakota, he grew up watching his WWII vet dad battle to save their farm from corporate claws. Now, Peter’s the unapologetic voice of Western culture, with a historian’s grip on America’s past, acknowledging both its heroes and hypocrites.

His truth to power articles are a no-holds-barred zone for rodeo reviews, cowboy movie takedowns, and ranching tricks that work. He’ll tell you why your country singer’s a fraud and how to fix a fence with only baling wire and spite.

Peter despises corporate factory farms taking over and cherishes the DIY grit of real Americans. Politically correct? Nope. Trustworthy? Damn straight. He’s saving the West, one brutal truth at a time.

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