Excitement is building for one of the Ponoka Stampede’s signature events — the Ponoka Stampede Parade — which runs Friday, June 27, starting at 10 a.m.
“This year we are having a ‘Salute to the Bullfighters,’” said Greg Gordon, parade director.
Each year, more than 10,000 spectators take in the three-mile Ponoka Stampede Downtown Parade, which features plenty of colourful floats, mascots, classic cars, marching bands, clowns and a whole lot more.
Ponoka Stampede Bullfighters Ty Prescott, Brett Monea and Tanner Byrne will head up the parade as this year’s parade marshals.
Gordon said this year’s theme is truly fitting, as the bullfighters are a big part of the Stampede but sometimes don’t really get the recognition that they deserve.
There will be plenty of highlights to this year’s event, including lots of local floats, plus a wide range of community organizations and businesses represented and dignitaries and groups from across Alberta participating.
So far, there are about 160 parade entries, said Gordon.
“We also have five bands coming: the Innisfail Pipe Band, Cardston High School, the Red Deer Community Band Society (Red Deer Royals), the Spirit of Alberta, and the Lethbridge Collegiate Institute.”
Ultimately, Gordon said one of the best things about his role is how he gets to interact with people through the process of putting it all together — which is also a collaborative effort.
“I think what’s really fun about it all is the people,” he said. “Everyone is friendly and happy.”
Gordon noted that this year, Irene Froman will also be specifically honoured, as she has been involved with helping out at the Ponoka Stampede for 52 years.
“She will be up front in the parade, and she will also be riding in Blair Vold’s car with the big horns on it,” he explained.
Anyone interested in taking part in the Ponoka Stampede Parade can call Gordon at 403-704-3541 or visit the Ponoka Stampede website to register online.
Find all you need to know about the Ponoka Stampede at Ponoka News.
