So far more than 25 rodeos across Canada have either been canceled or postponed, including the renowned Calgary Stampede — a devastating blow for the community, fans, and rodeo athletes.
With the now-canceled Stampede scheduled to be held July 3 - 12, the industry is now anxiously looking to the Ponoka Stampede, set for the end of June, for their decision.
The Ponoka Stampede committee recently released a statement about their plans to move forward, stating they feel they have up to six weeks to make a final call.
Following an interview with Ponoka Stampede president Blair Vold, the Edmonton Sun recently wrote:
Unlike most other events, Ponoka has the financial ability to reschedule until it snows again next winter.
“It’ll be interesting to see what the attendance might be with the economy. But we’ve talked to a lot of people and they said ‘If Ponoka goes, we’re coming.’ ”
For the June 25-July 1 window, Vold figures they have six weeks to make that call — way longer than Calgary. And for one year they don’t have to put on a show of shows.
“We understand that the cowboys from the States can’t come across the border. But we can still have a rodeo. When it does open up people will to want to get out.”