Pro Rodeo Hall Of Fame
Take a stroll in the downtown area and experience Ponoka’s connection to the authentic “cowboy” lifestyle.
At the Canadian Finals Rodeo, in 1979, the Alumni pondered an association to honour outstanding contestants, animals and builders in the Canadian rodeo arena. After additional meetings the Canadian Rodeo Historical Association formed and registered as an association on June 19th, 1980. In 1981 the Government of Canada granted the association tax-free status as a charitable organization.
Annually, the Association inducts qualifying contestants, builders and animals to the Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame. Their offices are located upstairs in the Calnash Ag
Events Center, along Hwy 2A on the south side of Ponoka. The Hall of Fame attracts visitors from around the world, who view the history and artifacts on display portraying the history of pro rodeo in Canada. Since 1981, one hundred and eighty three inductees have been elected into the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame. Visit their website for hours of operation, schedule of events, and to find out more about current inductees. (canadianprorodeohalloffame.com)
Photo courtesy of boxjbarranch.com
The Calnash Ag Event Centre fills the need within central Alberta for a year round agri-recreactional facility. It is ideally located for easy access from Hwy 2A and QEII. Because the centre is strategically set in horse country it provides an attraction for economic and tourism opportunities.
The Town of Ponoka, Ponoka County, the Ponoka Stampede & Exhibition and the Ponoka Agricultural Society joined to raise funds, plan and build the Calnash Ag Event Centre over a span of almost twenty years. The Ponoka Agriculture Event Centre Society (a non-profit), owns the property, while a Board of Directors is responsible for planning & fund raising for the facility. A Standing Committee of the Ponoka Ag Society operates the event centre.
Photo courtesy of boxjbarranch.com
The Calnash Ag Event Centre is available for rent on an hourly, daily, or multi-day basis. Agricultural related and recreational based events are the majority of the activities currently taking place. However, the facility is appropriate for a variety of purposes, as indicated by a very full and outstanding events calendar.
To book your event or to view the events schedule log on to ponokaageventcentre.com.
Story by Ray Johnson
Photos courtesy of boxjbarranch.com