Downtown Ponoka will come alive this Friday (August 15) as the Alberta Friesian Horse Association hosts the 6th annual Ringsteken event, a free family-friendly celebration featuring traditional Dutch games, food, and entertainment.
The evening kicks off at 5:30 p.m. with street food vendors serving up Dutch favourites such as frikandellen (a deep-fried sausage snack), bitterballen (a meat-based snack mixture breaded and fried into balls) and fries.
The main event begins at 6:30 p.m., bringing the centuries-old sport of Ringsteken to the streets of Ponoka.
Ringsteken, which originated in the Netherlands, is a traditional equestrian game where riders on horseback or in carriages attempt to spear small rings with a handheld lance while trotting past.
Each ring successfully caught earns points, with higher scores awarded in subsequent rounds.
Competitors make multiple passes to test their skill, precision, and speed.
Horses and riders will arrive downtown from the Ponoka Arena Complex around 5:00 p.m., parading into the event area before the competition begins.
They will return to the arena at approximately 8:30 p.m.
To accommodate the festivities, temporary road closures will be in place from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on:
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51 Avenue (from 50 Street to 51 Street) — event area
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52 Avenue (from 50 Street to 51 Street) — event staging area
Motorists are advised to drive with caution in these areas and to watch for horses and pedestrians throughout the evening.
Whether you come for the food, the competition, or the cultural experience, organizers promise an evening of fun and community spirit.
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