PAECS Title

The Ponoka Agriculture Event Centre Society is a new and unique partnership between the Ponoka Agricultural Society, Ponoka Stampede Association, Ponoka County and the Town of Ponoka. These four organizations believe in the advantages that a multipurpose agricultural recreation facility will provide in the form of recreational, entertainment and educational activities for the community, region and province.
Early in 2008, RC Strategies prepared a Business Case that determined building an Ag-Event Centre was viable and the region has a need for multipurpose agriculture related facilities. The facility will be an ‘anchor attraction’ and a tourism and economic driver for Ponoka. It is estimated it will attract $4M in non-local spending.
A facility concept design and a site analysis were completed. Estimated operating and capital budgets of the proposed facility were subsequently developed, as well as a fund resourcing strategy.
In July 2008 the four partners established the Ponoka Agriculture Event Centre Society to build and operate the Ponoka Ag-Event Centre. The partners know their efforts will serve as a celebrated example of how community organizations can collaborate in the planning and creation of a valuable shared asset.

A sod-turning event was held on May 10, 2010 and construction commenced soon after, with project management by Stretch Construction. The main building is scheduled to be complete in July 2011.

Features of the Ponoka Ag-Event Centre:
· Indoor arena (135’ x 400’) with a dirt floor
surface and seating for 1500 spectators. Arena will also be used as exhibition space.
· Warm-up area in arena
· Banquet area
· Multi-purpose community rooms to
accommodate up to 50 people. The rooms are available for education classrooms and special events)
· Stabling facility with 200+ box stalls
· 50 camping sites
· Stock pens
· Specialized equipment to support equestrian and other livestock events eg. Wash racks
· Concession facility
· 287 parking stalls
· Administration offices
Events To Be Held at the Ponoka
Ag-Event Centre:
- Educational workshops and clinics
- Meetings & banquets
- Concerts & Festivals
- Rodeos (professional & high school)
- Team Penning Competitions
- Horse Shows & Sales
- Cattle Shows & Sales
- Cow Horse Competition
- Cutting & Reining Competitions
- Barrel Racing Jackpots & Finals
- Dressage & Jumping Events
- Ranch Horse Competitions & Sales
- Carriage Driving Shows
- Bullaramas & Rough Stock
- 4-H & Other club events
- Agricultural Fairs
- Stock Dog Trials & Dog Agility
- Ag Equipment / Vehicle Trade Shows & Sales
- etc, etc…

January 13, 2012Job Ads January 13, 2012Job Ads

January 28, February 12, 26, March 11, 25, 2012 Timed Event Winter Series January 12, 19, 26, 2012Barrel Racing Open Ride