Ponoka 4-H Show and Sale coming up May 4-5

Published 1:23 pm Wednesday, April 29, 2026

Ponoka District 4-H Beef club members are gearing up to showcase their animals during the annual show and sale, set for May 4-5 at the Calnash Ag Event Centre.

The event is made up of the Ponoka East Club and the Ponoka West Club.

It’s broken down into a female show which runs on May 4 at 6 p.m. and two steer shows on May 5 (9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.)

There are 54 steers and 67 animals to show overall, said Cor Koelman, president of the Ponoka District 4-H Beef Committee.

Ultimately, awards are handed down within a range of categories, which recognize the youth for all of the hard work and dedication they have put in to prepare their animals for the event.

“I think that it’s a great thing for these kids, with this daily routine of taking responsibility (for their animals),” said Koelman.

“You see the senior members helping the intermediate members, and that has been a true highlight to me.

“It’s a real character-building event,” he said, adding that it’s a big commitment, too, what with having to care for the animals no matter the weather, and in a consistent, dedicated manner to ensure their well-being and proper development.

Another big plus to 4-H membership is the strong emphasis on honing public speaking skills in the youth, he said.

“I think it’s part of getting them into the community, and preparing them for a career. Our clubs also have scholarships, and having 4-H on your resume for a future job is a big thing, too,” he said.

Currently, there are 27 youth in each club.

As to the coming show and sale, the event has a long history in the Ponoka community, going back to the 1950s.

Koelman also encouraged visitors to chat with the youth about their animals, and their experiences in the journey to get to the show and sale.

“It’s not just about the sale, it’s about the showing, too,” he said.

“It’s great. All of the steers will be on display in the…Calnash, and that is free for people to walk through and have a look and a chat,” he said, adding he’s been involved with 4-H for a about five years now with his own kids.

In a letter included in this year’s catalogue, Koelman noted that, “our membership continues to discover the value of 4-H, and the connections within our community have never felt stronger.

“Together, we are nurturing a program built on dedication, skill-building, and the joy of working towards our goals.”

He said that the annual show and sale, “stands as a powerful example of what can be achieved when members, parents, leaders, and volunteers pull together with enthusiasm and commitment.

“As you walk the grounds and watch the classes in the ring, I encourage you to take time to chat with the exhibitors. Listen to their stories. Behind every calm, well-presented animal is a young person who has poured heart and effort into this project —often balancing school, sports, and family responsibilities.

“These experiences teach lessons that reach well beyond the show ring: responsibility, sportsmanship, problem-solving, and the satisfaction that comes from hard work.”

For more about the local clubs, and the latest updates, follow the local 4-H beef clubs on Facebook.