Tourism Guide - Ponoka Visitors' Guide

WELCOME TO

POPONOKAOKA

PUBLISHED BY

VISITORS GUIDEPONOKAPONOKA

20152015& BUSINESS DIRECTORY

PPonokaLive .caPONOKA & DISTRICT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Box 4188 Ponoka, Ab. T4J 1R6 Phone: 403-783-3888 • Fax: 403-783-3886 • Email – [email protected]

July 18 ...................... Town Wide Garage Sale October 23 .............. Annual Business AwardsNovember 20 .......... Christmas Tree Lighting

Almost Midnight Madness

Nov. 2 to Dec. 18 ... Passport to Christmas December 5 ............. Children’s Shopping PartyApril 2016 ................. Trade Fair

2015/2016 EVENT DATES

“Blazing a trail to bring innovation and inspiration to businesses in Ponoka”

TRADE TRADE SHOWSHOW

BUSINESS BUSINESS AWARDSAWARDS

PONOKA GOLF CLUB

Call for Green Fee or Membership Information

www.ponokagolf.com

• Fully Stocked Proshop • Custom Club Fitting • Golf Lessons by Appointment • Club Repair • All Lines of Top Grade Golf Equipment and

Apparel Available• 19th Hole Restaurant & Lounge -

Public Welcome

PONOKA GOLF CLUB PROSHOPTEE TIMES BY APPOINTMENTMEMBERS CALL

1 Week in Advance

NON-MEMBERS BOOKWeekdays - 2 days in advance Weekends - call Wednesday

TOURNAMENTS WELCOMECall early to avoid disappointment

(Corporate or Family Get-togethers)

Where everyone likes to play

PRO SHOP: 403-783-4626 • CLUBHOUSE LOUNGE: 403-783-2255 • FAX: 403-783-5144

Produced and Distributed by:Ponoka News5019A Chipman Ave.Box 4217, Ponoka, AB T4J 1R6Phone: 403.783.3311 Fax: 403.783.6300Website: www.ponokanews.com

This guide is solely funded by our advertisers. It is possible through the participation of those fi ne organizations to provide this comprehensive guide to you Free of Charge! To ensure our continued success, please support our advertisers. Thank you!

PonokaPonokaA place you will want to be.

Where Is Ponoka, AB?

Ideally located in the heart of central Alberta and along the thrivingCalgary – Edmonton economic corridor.

2 Hour Drive to Calgary 1 Hour Drive to Edmonton ½ Hour Drive to Red Deer

Location of Ponoka, Alberta, CANADA

MP welcomes

youWelcome to Ponoka, a

great place to visit, work, live and raise a family. This small town has a big heart and a rich history. This is a caring region of energetic, dedicated people who are committed to maintaining the down home feeling that we all know and love.

Located in theagricultural heartland of Alberta, where our world-renowned cattle graze and our high quality crops grow, it is home to enthusiastic, community-minded residents who proudly host the renowned Ponoka Stampede.

Come for a visit and enjoy western hospitality at its best. You just might want to stay awhile. Hope to see you soon!

Blaine Calkins, MP Wetaskiwin

Member of ParliamentBlaine Calkins

Front cover photo by Karen Douglass

2015 VISITORS GUIDE & BUSINESS DIRECTORYPAGE 1


www.donlaingtrailers.com

Proudly Serving your Community and BeyondCome See Us At Don Laing Trailers

*SALES *SERVICE *REPAIRS *RENTALS

403-783-8411At the Junction of QE 2 and Hwy. 53

Introducing Toro Ride On Mowers

Welcome to PONOKA“Welcome to Pono-

ka!” On behalf of The Ponoka & District Cham-ber of Commerce, we are pleased to have you visit or re-visit our community, a community we are all very proud of.

We are a very active Chamber of Commerce that promotes its mem-bers and spurs on eco-nomic growth though a variety of events and ac-tivities. The Trade Fair each April is our corner-stone event. The Busi-ness Awards Gala is held to acknowledge the “Best of the Best” businesses in Ponoka. Passport to Christmas and many oth-er events throughout the year continue to show that Ponoka is a vibrant and eventful town.

Our town is full of rec-

reational facilities ranging from three hockey ice sur-faces, six sheets of curl-ing ice, a skate park, soc-cer pitches and ball dia-monds. We also have two of the best golf courses in Alberta. We have every-thing to meet your recre-ational needs.

While you are in town celebrating the 79th Pono-ka Stampede, take some time to get to know the people, businesses and organizations that make Ponoka what it is.

We have many wonder-ful retail and service busi-nesses. From providing the basic needs to the in-teresting boutique shops all over town, every need can be fulfilled. From nuts and bolts to shirts, shoes, lingerie, electronics and gift ware, our local retail-

ers have it all. I am sure you will find them friendly and helpful for everything you require.

…and the food can’t be beat – choose from western, Chinese, pizza, upscale dining, or pub food. If you’d rather cook your own, there’s fresh produce and everything you need at the local gro-cers and you will also find some of the best meat processors in Alberta.

Be sure to visit our beautiful parks and rec-reation facilities. A stroll down Diamond Willow Trail along the Battle River is a must for nature lovers. A dip in the pool after a long day of activities is available at the Aquaplex. Feel free to take in a mov-ie, bowling, massage, yo-ga, an afternoon workout

at the gym, or a round of golf; just to name a few.

Contact us at 403-783-3888 or visit www.Pono-kaLive.ca We will be hap-py to help you discover the attractions you can add to your stay.

Jim Hamilton, PresidentPonoka & District

Chamber of Commerce

PAGE 32015 VISITORS GUIDE & BUSINESS DIRECTORY

• Custom Framing (including needlework )

• Passport Photos• Photofi nishing• Digital Printing

• Drycleaning• Unique Giftware• Framed Prints• Frames

403-783-6210

5033 - 49 Ave.

PONOKA FARMER’S

MARKETWednesday 9 am - 1 pm

Curling Rink

From May to September

For more information call 403.783.6776

4620 - 54 St. Ph: 403-783-8484 Fax: 403-783-8414

THE

LIQUOR

STORE

Gift Gift Certifi cates Certifi cates

AvailableAvailable

403-783-81905008 51 AVENUE

[email protected] • www.ponokaflowersforyou.ca

The earth laughs in fl owers, let’s smile

with it!

Beautiful fl owers, great selection of gift items & home décor

Super ShoppingSuper ShoppingHere, we have everything to serve you!Here, we have everything to serve you!

DIRECTORYDIRECTORY

SUPERSUPERSHOPPINGSHOPPING

STOPSSTOPS


Located south of Morningside(follow signs from Morningside)

11 kms south of Ponoka.This nature area is valued for

its diversity of habitat, flora and wildlife and an excellent site for

outdoor research studies and educational activities.

J.J. CollettJ.J. CollettNatural AreaJ.J. CollettJ.J. CollettNatural Area

AnAnAlbertaAlberta

GemGem

AnAnAlbertaAlberta

GemGem

Annual Fall Walk - Sept. 27, 2015Annual Spring Walk - May 29, 2016

Open Year RoundFor inquiries call

783-5283

For inquiries call

403-783-5283email: [email protected] | kfatheatre.com

403-783-4087 or 403-783-22025020 - 52 Ave., Ponoka AB T4J 1H5

June 26Parade Day Barbecue

July 1Tim Horton’s Canada Day Children’s Festival

Nov 27, 28, 29, Dec. 4, 5, 6, 11 & 12“Mary Poppins”

2015 PRODUCTIONS

Paul McLauchlin, ReevePonoka County

Opportunities of fun in PONOKA COUNTYVisitors to Ponoka

County wi l l be im-pressed with the number of attractions and rec-reational opportunities

that are available. During the summer

months, golfers can play at the challenging Wolf Creek Golf Resort or the

growing, progressive county and we encour-age you to access our website at www.ponoka-county.com for current information.

I hope you will come again to enjoy our hos-pitality and friendly rural life-style.

family orientated Gull Lake Golf Course. Fish-ermen can enjoy year-round angling on the Chain Lakes, Gull Lake, Battle River, Blindman River and Medicine Riv-er.

Cottage country living can be experienced at a number of resorts and rural subdivisions in and around Gull Lake and Red Deer Lake. Ponoka County is also a great destination for camping, boating, snowmobiling, horseback riding and hunting activities.

Combine the natural beauty and atmosphere of the County with the many events hosted by the Towns of Ponoka and Rimbey and visitors can enjoy all four sea-sons in our area.

Ponoka County is a


Welcome to Ponoka, a family friendly community in the heart of our dynamic and diversified province. Whether you’re here for the renowned Stampede or for a taste of true western hospitality -

Bay #6A, 4612 - 50 St.

Ponoka, AB T4J 1S7

403-783-5530

1-800-665-0865

www.blainecalkinsmp.ca

Blaine Calkins, MPWetaskiwin

Enjoy your visit and come back soon!

Totally BakedTotally BakedCupcakery Ltd.Cupcakery Ltd.

Regular business hours:Tuesday – Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. • Saturday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

#6 5103 - 48 Ave. | 403-790-7777

OFFERING:• Variety of cupcakes• Sculpted cakes• Gluten free

OCCASIONS:• Birthday • Graduations• Anniversaries • Bridal showers• Weddings • Baby showers - gender reveal

Inviting visitors to ‘KEEP IT REAL’ in Ponoka

Rick Bonnett, MayorTown of Ponoka

On behalf of town council , I extend a warm welcome to all visitors, including new and prospective resi-dents to our commu-nity.

Ponoka offers an au-thentic blend of rural and urban lifestyles, boasting real life ad-ventures and real com-munity spirit. Located directly off Highway 2, we welcome visitors year round to enjoy fun events, a unique array of shopping ex-periences, a farmer’s market, and fresh local fare served in our res-taurants.

We invite you to Discover the Real Po-noka during your stay.

Please stop by our V is i tor In format ion Centre located be-side the beautiful Li-ons Centennial Park to find out how to make the most of your visit. Many visitors enjoy Li-ons Centennial Park as a part of their visit. It features a splash park, mini-golf, playground, trout f ishing, stage area, and ‘The Lega-cy’, the world’s largest bucking horse statue.

You can also enjoy events in Ponoka such as the Soap Box Der-by, Vintage Motorcycle Rally and, of course,

the world-class annu-al Ponoka Stampede, boasting 7 days of en-tertainment and pro-fessional rodeo since 1936.

You have probably noticed the natural charm and beauty of the Town of Ponoka. Why not plan a stroll along the walking trails located right in town, alongside Battle River?

As we celebrate the anniversary of the Ca-nadian Flag, we invite all visitors to tweet a picture in front of the town’s famous ‘Think-ing Tree’ - a Manitoba Maple located along the walking trail. Our V is i tor In format ion Centre staff will be pleased to give you a map to the Thinking Tree.

Hikers and bikers can enjoy the paved River Valley Trail Sys-tem or, for the more adventurous, connect to the TransCanada Trail System.

History buffs wil l enjoy the Fort Ostell Museum’s pioneer arti-facts, early native relics and other local history exhibits. The museum is located at the north end of Lions Centen-nial Park.

In Ponoka’s historic downtown, urban ex-

plorers wil l experi-ence unique shops and restaurants offer-ing modern treasures combined with old- fashioned friendliness and hospitality. Many of our merchants also offer one of a kind and hand-crafted i tems made by local artisans.

Ponoka is an attrac-tive and progressive community where peo-ple of all ages enjoy a high quality of life.

As mayor, I know that our town council is very proud of Po-noka. We are happy you have decided to include it in your holi-day plans. If you would l ike to learn more about living or setting up shop in Ponoka, we invite you to contact the town to speak with

our professional and friendly staff. Discover the Real Ponoka!

To stay in touch with events and happenings in our friendly town, please visit us online at Ponoka.ca, Facebook and Twitter.


Paying tribute to Paying tribute to contestants, builders contestants, builders

and animals of and animals of professional rodeoprofessional rodeo

in Canada.in Canada.

Located in the Calnash Ag Event Centre | Ponoka, AB

Ph: 403-236-8511Check website for hours

www.canadianprorodeohalloff ame.com

5020 - 50 Street, Ponoka403.790.2878 • 1.888.214.6563

Email: [email protected]

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AG EVENT CENTRE gets bigger and betterIn the last four years of being in

operation, the Calnash Ag Event Centre has becoming a prime loca-tion for equine events.

Located on the south side of Ponoka, organizers are seeing a steady increase in events through-out the year with very few days left open in the calendar. Whether it’s the coveted Alberta Barrel Racing Association Finals or the Alberta Annual Classic Team Penning that comes to town, folks are seeing a full parking lot at the ag centre.

Event organizers say Ponoka is an ideal central location for shows and the ag event centre helps com-plement an already strong agricul-tural aura full of ranchers and horse enthusiasts.

“One of the biggest, positive things about it is its every aspect of the horse industry,” explained Terry Jones, president of the Ponoka Ag Event Centre Society.

The society’s goal is to showcase the many different equine events available to people. During Ponoka

Stampede week, the building is full of loud bangs and hollers in two different events: mounted shooters during the first part of the week and cattle penners during the sec-ond.

Jones says those two events add to the western culture during the busy rodeo week.

The centre was built through a

strong collaboration of four part-ners; the Town of Ponoka, Pono-ka County, the Ponoka Stampede and Exhibition Association and the Ponoka Agricultural Society. Much of the building was constructed through government grants, main-ly because of the partnership be-tween the founding groups.

continued on page 8


4419 Hwy 2A, Ponoka403-783-3644 6707 HWY 53 WEST

PONOKA5020 - 50 Ave.

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Restaurant & LoungeRestaurant & Lounge5122-50 St 5122-50 St

403-783-5566403-783-5566

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Offering:Offering:

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Children’s MenChildren’s Menuu

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#4 5101 - 51 Avenue, Ponoka, AB

403.783.4433www.daltonsfoodco.caLike us on facebook!

INTERNATIONAL CUISINE

5, 4800 Hwy 2A PonokaPhone – 403-783-5650

www.subway.caSubway - Eat Fresh

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STEAKHOUSE DININGCASUAL PRICE

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4004 - 40th Street Close • Ponoka, AB • 403-783-3373

We invite you to see why Sunrise Village is one ofthe most popular retirement communities.

Sunrise Village Ponoka

continued from page 6It has become one of the pre-

miere agricultural event facilities in Alberta, indeed, some have been saying western Canada. Jones says the centre has become a great tourist attraction for the town.

The main building boasts a large 140 feet by 400 feet space with a dirt floor surface that any barrel racer would love to ride on.

The Calnash Ag Event Centre has hosted equine shows that fea-ture the finest Arabian horses and groups such as the American Sad-dlebred Horse Association of Al-berta have found Ponoka to be an ideal spot for hosting their shows.

The Ponoka Lions Club booked the RCMP Musical Ride in 2014, a popular horse show featuring the finest RCMP riders in Canada.

One of the largest events orga-nizers have seen is the Alberta Bar-rel Racing Association (ABRA) fi-nals. In 2013, over 900 competitors came from around the province to try their skills for the top barrel rac-ing spot in Alberta. Horse trailers had to be parked on Ponoka Stam-pede property to accommodate

the influx of title hopefuls. “The ABRA is huge…They made

Ponoka their home,” stated Jones.A welcome addition to the

building this year is the installation of the electronic sign. Jones says planners are looking at the many options of advertising available to businesses on the digital screen.

The Calnash Ag Event Centre is also home to the world-renowned

Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame. Other events held at the centre include the Ponoka Beef Club’s annual show and sale in the barn and more recently Angus beef and horse auctions.

In January, the Ponoka Agricul-tural Society took over the daily operations of the ag centre to take advantage of provincial grants available to ag societies.


THE TRAILS SYSTEMS widely used by Ponoka residents

Ponoka has much to offer to nature lovers and fitness buffs alike.

Planners have forged a wonderful trail system that follows the mighty Batt le River through town. The spring-fed wa-terway flows at a stately pace with a five-kilometre path called Diamond Wil-low Trail right in Ponoka.

It’s one of the well-known secrets of Ponoka that residents and visitors have come to enjoy. In-deed, every day people can be seen biking, walk-ing, taking their dogs or even longboarding on the rolling pathways. Nature and wildlife lovers enjoy the sights and have seen wildlife such as deer and beaver in the area.

For those who want to give their dogs a chance

to run free, a fenced off-leash area can be found on the north side of the trail.

In town, there are also several new and updated playgrounds and parks, including Centennial Park that boasts a trout pond. In the summer months, young families enjoy the fishing practice their chil-dren can enjoy.

All along the pathways in the park are benches for folks to relax and en-joy the view. Near the pond is a large stage that has been used for sum-mer concerts and summer birthday parties. It’s defi-nitely a well-used Ponoka amenity right along High-way 2A. JJ Collett Natural Area

For those who prefer long hikes the JJ Collett

Natural Area is the place to visit. It is located south of Ponoka near Morning-side and provides 635 acres of land that seems like it came out of a na-tional park.

The board of directors managing the area takes quiet pride in develop-ing its trail system, which provides 18 kilometres of walking pathway. Don’t be surprised to see an

abundance of wildlife at the park either. Planners try to keep the space ani-mal friendly. It is in such demand that Grade 6 stu-dents at nearby Ponoka schools take part in edu-cation programs at the JJ Collett Natural Area.

Whether it’s winter or summer, the large natu-ral space is a home away from home for nature lov-ers.


PONOKA UNITED CHURCH

Minister: Rev. Beatrix Schirner

Sunday Service 10:00 am.

5020-52 Ave. Ponoka 403-783-4087

[email protected]

TRINITY EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH

Pastor: Tim Graff5501 - 54 Ave. Ponoka 403-783-4141

Worship Service 10:30 [email protected]

trinityponoka.ca

ST. MARY’S ANGLICAN CHURCH

Rev. Donna Willer

Rev. Marty Tuer, Honorary Assistant

5120 - 49 Ave. Ponoka 403-783-4329Sunday Service: Holy Eucharist 10 a.m.

www.stmarysanglicanponoka.com

Sonrise Christian Reformed Church

Pastor William DellemanWorship Service 10:30 a.m.

403-783-6012½ mile south of Centennial Centre for

Mental Health & Brain Injurywww.sonriseponoka.com

ST. AUGUSTINE CATHOLIC CHURCHFather Chris Gnanaprakasam

Mass Times: Saturday, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, 9:00 a.m.

5113 - 52 Ave., Ponoka, T4J 1H6

403-783-4048

[email protected]

Pastor Rob McArthurCorner of Hwy 2A & Hwy 53

Sunday @ 10:30 a.m.www.wordofl ife.ca 403-783-5659

Associated Gospel Churches of Canada

CHURCH OF THE OPEN BIBLE

Pastor JerPastor Jerry Preheim Pastor Matt Sealy3704 - 42 St. Ponoka 403-783-65003704 - 42 St. Ponoka 403-783-6500

www.churchoftheopenbible.ab.caWorship Service 11:00 a.m.

FIRST BAPTISTCHURCH PONOKA

Paul Spate – Lead Pastor

Erin Dirsten – Facilitator of Youth & Family Ministries

James Crosina – Facilitator of Community Life

5109 - 57 Ave. Ponoka www.fbcponoka.org403-783-5533

Bible Discovery Hour 9:30 a.m. Worship Service 10:30 a.m.

ChurchChurchDIRECTORYDIRECTORY

Places ofPlaces of

Praise & WorshipPraise & Worship


Parkland United Reformed Church Pastor: Rev. Mitch Ramkissoon403-783-1888

Worship services: Sunday at 10:00 am & 2:30 pm Coffee and fellowship following the second service

www.parklandurc.org

Directions: From Ponoka: 4 miles south on Hwy 2A and ¼ mile west on Spruce Road (Rge Rd 422). Church on right hand side of the road

From Lacombe: North on Hwy 2A and ¼ mile west on Spruce Road (Rge Rd 422). Church on right hand side of the road

BFMBFMBFMThrift StoreBibles For Missions

5006 - 50th St.,Downtown Ponoka403-790-001244440440404044040440403-3-333333 79797997990-0-0-0000 0000000000000000 2222121222121212

On Two Floors!On Two Floors!THOUSANDS OF ITEMSIncluding:Including: Clothing, Furniture,

Kitchenware, Luggage, Electronics, Sports, Craft, Toys

Plus: Antique & Vintage Dept.

“BFM Thrift Stores convert donated used goods into cash so that BFM Foundation

(Canada) may, through a Joint Ministry with Bible League Canada, transform peoples’

lives through the Living Word of God.”

PP uuss: Anttiqqqqqquuee && VVinttaagggggeee DDeeeeeppppppppptt..

A big thank you to our many customers and donors. Our business is based on the generous donations of people like you. If needed we will pickup your donations. We are a Not-for-Profi t organization and while we have a large ministry with the Bible League, we believe charity starts at home, and we are pleased to be of assistance in practical ways to those in need.

HEALTH SERVICES remain important in PonokaWith everyone from young

families to seniors making pic-turesque Ponoka their home, the community ensures it is able to offer health services to meet the needs of all those age groups.

Seniors housingAs the large baby boomer

population continues to reach its senior years, seniors’ homes re-main a vital part of the communi-ty in small towns such as Ponoka.

Located across the street from the Ponoka Hospital and Care Centre, Legacy Place is managed by the Rimoka Hous-ing Foundation. The elegant centre is spacious, covered with windows to fill the rooms with sunlight and boasts multiple parking lots.

Legacy Place is a social, in-teractive homecare unit where the pulse of the community is always felt with social events like concerts, teas, bake sales and school visits.

Nestled near the heart of the beautiful Battle River Valley, Sunrise village was constructed in a quieter residential corner of town. Accommodating more than 50 living suits, the facility offers various options desig-nated to provide assisted living

for seniors.Other housing options avail-

able in the community include Reid Manor, Golden Leisure Lodge and Northcott Care Cen-tre.

For those who wish to re-main in their own homes as long as possible, Ponoka Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) runs a number of volun-teer based programs, including Meals on Wheels, home care and a volunteer driver program to make independent living and outing safe and easy for seniors.

Ponoka Hospital and Care Centre

Ponoka Hospital is a 24-hour emergency unit that also pro-vides long term care and houses a STARS helipad.

The acute and continuing care unit is equipped for general medicine, emergencies, obstet-

rics, surgery and pediatrics. The hospital also operates its own laboratory and radiology services.

The pediatric ward was the focus of a charity extravaganza in 2104 at Ponoka’s first ever Festival of Trees, an event that was able to raise and donate $59,500 to the unit.

Centennial Centre for Mental Health and

Brain InjuryInternationally known, the

Centennial Centre for Mental Health and Brain Injury is one of the top treatment centres in the world in the field of mental health and it resides in Ponoka.

The centre offers a plethora of professional programs, in-cluding telemental health, con-current disorders, brain injury rehabilitation, adult psychiatry and seniors’ mental health.

Employing more than 800

staff focused on providing a sat-isfactory period of stay to those accepted to the facility, the cen-tre also features church services, continual involvement with the community and a small market square.

Rising Sun ClubhouseAlso looking to improve the

lives of the socially challenged individuals is the Rising Sun Clubhouse, located in down-town Ponoka.

The clubhouse is a go-to centre and resource hub for its beneficiaries as the staff work tirelessly to provide a smooth transition for those affected by psychological challenges into community life.

Rising Sun Clubhouse also continues to build its connec-tions with the community and strengthen a working relationship with the Centennial Centre for Mental Health and Brain Injury.

General ServicesPonoka also offers a variety

of general health services such as dentistry, eye care , chiro-practor practice work and a spa, which recently introduced a new line of aromatherapy op-tions to envelope both physical and mental/spiritual care.


PONOKA CO-OP OILS

Retail, Cardlock & Bulk Fuel SalesClayton Morrow - Manager

Locally Owned and Operated

Phone 403-783-4288

Fax 403-783-3700 4700 Highway 2A, Ponoka

6220-48 Ave. Ponoka, AB Ph: 403-783-3998www.integratire.com [email protected]

Keeping you on the move!

Toll Free 1-800-662-7135

Motorcycles & ATV’s

SalesServices

SuppliesSupplies

Phone 403-783-5185Fax 403-783-4635

A & JA & J AUTOMOTIVEREPAIR

6701 - 46 Ave.Ponoka, AB T4J 1J8

403-783-8755

Al DickhautOwner/Operator

6701 Hwy 53Bldg 2, #203

Ponoka, AB T4J 1K3

Mica Spelrem403.783.6422

6605 - 44 Avenue 403-783-1896

Collision Centre

• ICAR Gold Star Shop

• Approved by all major

insurance companies

• Full Body Work

• Environmentally friendly paint system

WAGNER’S AUTO SERVICE& TREAD PRO TIRE CENTRE

403-783-6804or stop by at 5503 - 54 St., Ponoka

Your Complete Automotive

Service Centre

Complete Mechanical

Bay 1 3616 - 67 Street, Ponoka 403-506-8530

COME AND SEE ED AT HITECH

Plus A/C and Exhaust Systems

FREE ESTIMATES

AutomotiveAutomotiveDIRECTORYDIRECTORY


PBR Kickoff - June 24

www.ponokastampede.com

2 Nights Featuring

Josh Turner

Thurs, June 25

Tues, June 30

6 Nights of

PONOKA STAMPEDE: the Wild West of Western Canada

Saddle up and grab your tickets for one of the largest outdoor rode-os Canada has to offer.

Each year, the town of Ponoka opens its doors to the Ponoka Stampede, a seven-day professional rodeo of momentous ex-citement.

The largest outdoor pro rodeo in Canada, the Ponoka Stampede kicks off at the end of June with the 12th Annual Jace Harty Memorial PBR Bull Riding Event.

In the past, the memo-rial stood as an event in its own right, but was added to the stampede lineup in 2014 to en-hance its exposure and expand the event. The largest PBR bull-riding event in Canada boasts

$40,000 in added prize money.

Rain or shine, rodeo fans from around the world flock to Ponoka to see the cowboys and

cowgirls tighten their spurs, don their hats and ride hard to make it to the Stampede Show-down, where only the top riders of the rodeo

compete on the evening of July 1 for an extra $15,000 and the title of Ponoka Stampede Cham-pion.

continued on page 14


OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEKMon. 10:00 am - 6:00 pmTues. 10:00 am - 8:00 pm

Wed. & Thurs. 10:00 am - 6:00 pmFri. 10:00 am - 8:00 pmSat. 10:00 am - 6:00 pmSun. 11:00 am - 5:00 pm

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Enjoy a luxurious night in our beautiful rooms complete with 42” fl at screen TVs, gas fi replaces, A/C & memory foam beds.

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continued from page 13And what rodeo would be com-

plete without the chuckwagon rac-es? The half-mile of adrenaline rush and flying wagons, always flanked by their trusty outriders, takes the centre stage for six of the seven ro-deo days. The riders are also look-ing to be the best and make the $50,000 Tommy Dorchester Dash for Cash, the ultimate race of the event.

As always, some of the biggest names in country music rock the grandstand stage, with county sta-ple Sawyer Brown and electrifying Josh Turner named as the top stars of the show in 2015.

The Ponoka Stampede talent show also provides an evening of outrageous talent with the top two singers receiving coveted musical prizes.

Off-site events, ranging from mounted shooter competitions and cattle penning, to farmer’s markets and art auctions, ensure there’s something enticing for everyone to enjoy between rodeo performances.

Pancake breakfasts in various lo-cations around town allow a tasty

beginning to the mornings and spectacular fireworks shows light up the evening sky.

The Frank Mickey Stampede Park is the perfect place to set up camp for those wishing to remain close to the action.

Along with providing hours of rough and tumble entertainment,

the Ponoka Stampede is focused on giving back to the community. Many of the service clubs around town take the opportunity to help work the stampede. The Rodeo Challenge and Chicks for Charity fundraiser also ensure the wealth of stampede week benefits as many people as possible.


RECREATION enriches daily lives in PonokaRecreation is an impor-

tant aspect of life in the Town of Ponoka and resi-dents enjoy what is on offer.

The many amenities avail-able to residents and visitors give families an opportunity to try a variety of sports.

Perhaps the most exciting addition to Ponoka’s sum-mer recreation is the splash park. This is the third sum-mer the park will be in full use and kids are always ex-cited to use its colourful wa-ter fixtures.

Built with the hard work of the Ponoka Kinettes and the Lions Club, the splash park rests in Centennial Park along Highway 2A. Any-one driving through town can’t miss it and kids usually have their faces pressed up against the glass of their cars when they see it.

Alongside the splash park is a miniature golf course that provides fun activities for families and ice cream as a reward for a game well played.

Ice sportsThe Ponoka Culture and

Recreation Complex boasts two ice surfaces and updat-ed locker rooms for visiting teams. It is home to the Ju-nior B Stampeders hockey team and residents enjoy seeing how their home team is doing on Saturday nights.

Those looking for a slow-er-paced winter sport could stop by the Curling Rink, which has six curling sheets. It is not uncommon to hear the words “Hurry!” or “Yes!” during the winter months.

Nearby Gull Lake is a much-used amenity for win-ter fishing and many Ponoka residents take their fishing shacks out as soon as pos-sible. Racquetball and squash

Most people don’t real-ize it, but under the stands of the Ponoka Culture and Recreation Complex two rac-quetball courts get used by a faithful group of racquetball buffs.

One of the courts is marked to allow for a solid game of squash and both are outfitted with hooks for nets to allow teams to play

wallyball, a sport that is simi-lar to volleyball and uses the walls as part of the play.

Indoor swimmingThe Aquaplex is a staple

in town, especially during cold winter months. Fami-lies make good use of the 25-metre salt-water swim-ming pool, complete with kiddy pool, sauna and hot tub.

For kids looking for some excitement, there is also a 12-foot deep tank with div-ing board, climbing wall and a rope swing. Companies have been known to spon-sor swim days when school is out.

Golf coursesThere is not one, but two

well known golf courses in the Ponoka area.

The Ponoka Golf Club is found on the eastern side of town nestled along the Bat-tle River and boasts 18 holes for golf lovers. Golf course reviewer Gord Montgomery calls it a “small town beauty” in a review www.playgol-falberta.com/ponoka-golf-club/.

The Wolf Creek Gold Re-sort is 10 minutes south of Ponoka on Highway 2A and houses two 18-hole courses. It mirrors old Scottish golf courses and sits on an an-cient lakebed that provides challenging hills for golfers.




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PONOKA AG SOCIETY sticks to its agriculture rootsOne of the Ponoka Agricultural Society’s greatest ac-

complishments is being able to bring town and county folk together to their county fairs.

In an effort to draw even greater crowds, the society has taken their agricultural fair and organized it into two parts. The bench show, now the Home, Hobby and Horticultural Show is hosted during a weekend in August at the Ponoka Legion, while the ranch rodeo is held in September at the Calnash Ag Event Centre.

Ag society president Lauraine Weir is proud of their ef-forts and she invites people to become involved. “The ag society is an opportunity to make an impact in your commu-nity,” she says.

Organizers see visitors from as far as Edmonton attend the ag fair and Weir believes rural folks and urbanites can take part in the fun.

“The goal of our ag society is to bring the rural and urban communities together,” said Weir.

The society promotes everything that has to do with ag-riculture and renowned equine events such as the Alberta Annual Classic Team Penning and Black Elk Cutting have started hosting their shows in Ponoka at the Calnash Ag Event Centre because of the society’s involvement in agri-cultural events.

The ag society is one of four partners — Ponoka County, the Town of Ponoka and the Ponoka Stampede and Exhibi-tion Association represent the other three — that worked together to make the dream of an equine centre a reality.

The county fair is over 100 years old and Weir says or-ganizers are always looking at ways to expanding it, which is one of the reasons they are hosting the bench show and ranch rodeo on different days.

Weir said they welcome folks to attend their shows. Ag society takes over operations at the ag event centreTo be more in line with other agricultural societies across

the province and to take advantage of government grants, the Ponoka Agricultural Society has recently taken over op-erations of the Calnash Ag Event Centre.

The move was announced at the beginning of 2015. Weir says this is a great opportunity to bring more events to the ag centre.


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SOCIAL AGENCIESSOCIAL AGENCIES

FARMERS MARKET a place for home crafts and produceFolks with a taste

for local arts and pro-duce are always excit-ed about the Ponoka Farmer’s Market.

The market runs ev-ery Wednesday from May to September and ramps up during the Ponoka Stampede week. While organizers usually close the market for the rest of the year, they do get busy dur-ing special seasons like Christmas.

Vendors come from as far British Columbia selling the finest fresh fruits and vegetables and local farmers also sell the best carrots and other vegetables grown in the area.

Stop by for a coffee,

farm-fresh eggs or for those eager to see the local crafts, shoppers will find artwork, home-

based businesses and wide variety of vendors to choose from. Ap-proximately 45 vendors

come each week to sell their products.

Donna Merrill, man-ager of the Farmer’s Market, tries to focus on small fundraising campaigns for different not-for-profit groups each month. “We just like to be able to do something (for the com-munity) ,” explained Merrill.

Each week organiz-ers sell 50/50 tickets with one lucky winner and non-profit group b e i n g a n n o u n c e d . Groups such as Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Wheelchair Van Society and the Ladies Hospital Auxiliary have received funds through the cam-paign.



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Call us the next time you want a mini getaway from the hectic city pace and explore other great attractions. Hikers, joggers and bikers can enjoy the paved trail system along the beautiful Battle River Valley. ‘Cowboy Up’ in Ponoka at the Annual Ponoka Stampede. Experience Ponoka’s unique shops and restaurants. Discover Ponoka’s historic downtown. Many buildings have been restored to their former glory. The quaint, turn-of-the-century streetscape is a delight to explorers and niche market shoppers.

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PONOKA SOCCER sees strong growth in competitive teams

More than 300 young athletes signed up with Ponoka Minor Soccer As-sociation (PMSA) for the 2015 season.

President Rob MacAr-thur is most excited to get kids on the updated soccer pitches north of the Ponoka Hospital and Care Centre. The pitches received fresh, new sod last fall with help from the Town of Ponoka and Ponoka County and the grass is growing well to create two proper stan-dard soccer pitches.

Just about every Po-noka Storm soccer team, except for the U10 and U12 teams, will use the pitches this year, which f e a t u r e n e w g o a l s , bleachers and garbage cans recently purchased

by the Town of Ponoka. MacArthur says the town paid $15,000 for the equipment and the asso-ciation expects to pitch in another $3,000.

It is not only the PMSA which is excited about using the fields, Alberta Soccer Association (ASA) is eyeing the new pitch-es for games and tour-naments . MacArthur said PMSA was asked to host provincials this year, which might bring competition of as many as five age categories to town.

Strong 2014 season for teams

Many teams are ex-pected to do well this year after men’s Storm FC, competing in the Bat-tle River Soccer League,

Town of Ponoka: 5102-48 Avenue, Ponoka, AB T4J 1P7Tourist Information: 403.783.6363Town Offi ce: 403.783.4431email: [email protected]

Real Life Real AdventuresReal Community Spirit

Ponoka welcomes visitors year ‘round for the World-class Ponoka Stampede, fun events, unique shopping, natural beauty, and great dining.

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Documents

Tourism Guide - Ponoka Visitors' Guide