In conjunction with the Stampede, the Wild West Tradeshow will be held for four days at the Ponoka Arena Complex, located across the highway from the Stampede Grounds.
Embracing all aspects of the Western Canadian experience, the Wild West Tradeshow has something for everyone, including western-themed giftware, art, jewelry, woodwork, home decor, and more.
Dates and times are Friday, June 28 (1-6 p.m.), and June 29, 30, and July 1 (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.).
Greg Gordon, the director in charge of the trade show, said the event started as a relatively small art show.
“It was getting bigger, so we rented the curling rink, and it got filled up right away,” he recalled.
“Now, it’s just exploded. I believe there are 174 vendors, and there is a waiting list to get in. We already had a waiting list in February.
“There is everything you can think of there, from beef jerky to horse tack to clothing, and all kinds of Western art. Some vendors make cowboy hats right there, too, so it’s neat for people to see how they do that.”
There will be some live entertainment in the mix as well.
Gordon said it’s always a hit with those attending the Stampede as well as the vendors.
“I just had a call today from one of the vendors, who talked for half an hour about how great it is, and how much he loves to attend,” he said, adding that folks like to come check it out between Stampede performances.
“It’s just wall-to-wall people. And they just love it.”
Of course, volunteer help is a big part of what fuels the event’s success, he added.
“It’s unbelievable. People are willing to take a week off of work to come and help. They just enjoy being there so much — whether it’s working at the trade show or at the Stampede itself. They enjoy helping out.”
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Ponoka News is your source for all things Ponoka Stampede leading up to and during Stampede Week June 25 to July 1. Find more Ponoka Stampede stories here.