Over half of those that responded to the latest Bashaw Star online poll indicated they weren’t going to attend the Ponoka Stampede.
Thirty-six (52 per cent) of the 70 votes cast stated ‘no’, while 28 (40 per cent) said they were going. The rest of the votes, six, (9 per cent) indicated they were unsure.
There were a number of comments about the Stampede that came out of the poll — as it was cross-posted on our sister paper Ponoka News Facebook page.
Some of the comments were positive.
Mike DeMaere said, “I enjoy some parts of it, but find it frustrating the only time things ‘really’ get looked after is two weeks prior. Most years, I do not attend.”
Darlene DeSpiegelaere Saraceni stated, “The Ponoka Stampede is the only time of the year (town) is hopping.” She added there is fun had and the volunteers put their heart and souls into the week.
Cole Jaiden Pritchard feels it’s a fun event noting, “I think it’s worth the week of trouble just on how much the Stampede Association does for the community.”
On the opposite side, there were many who would rather not go or even be anywhere near town during Stampede.
Danielle June Peters doesn’t like the fact everything has moved saying, “As someone who was born and raised in Ponoka, I miss the events that happened downtown. Main Street was closed off, there were bands. Now it’s all up at the grounds.”
Crystal Thebeau added she isn’t going, “I hate how chaotic the town gets. We will take our kids to Calgary to do something better.”
Lisa A. Silver noted, “I can’t stand it, can’t wait for it to be over. The only time things get cleaned up and look nice is at Stampede time. As soon as I see them painting lines on the streets, I know it’s coming.”
Take moment to check out and comment on this week’s poll at the Bashaw Star’s Facebook page or by visiting www.bashawstar.com/web-poll.
Some comments have been edited for grammar. Bashaw Star’s web polls are a way to engage with readers and get a feel for what residents want. The polls do not represent an official petition or plebiscite.