The town's biggest event gets underway next Tuesday

It's the 88th Ponoka Stampede

After countless hours of planning the countdown to the Ponoka Stampede is on.  According to the organization's president, Rick Wierzba, they're all ready to go and "very excited". 

Before 2020 and the Covid-19 virus Wierzba explained about 80-thousand people packed the stands.  Now he said they're expecting 110-thousand fans to take in the action over 7 days, which is impressive for a small town. 

"Lots of cities would love to have what we have here in a town of 6700 or something like that." 

Wierzba points out it takes a lot of people to help make the Stampede a success. "I guess it starts with the commitment of the board of directors and a commitment from the volunteers and from the community and from the sponsors and that in turn brings all the best cowboys in the world want to come here."

He believes the popularity of a certain television series has played a role in maintaining interest in the event.

"I think another big factor is Yellowstone, created a lot of interest in the western way of life. Like, I don't think that can be discounted."

Wierzba also said adding more concerts has helped.  There are five this year.  "That attracts younger people. They come around and they watch what's going on and then they sort of start to enjoy it, too. So it's a combination of many things. I think you have to offer something for everybody."

The Stampede runs from June 25th through to July 1st.