The Stampede celebrates Western life and culture and is a major event in Western Canada. Various towns celebrate and honour the Stampede. I recently attended the Ponoka Stampede--it was such a grand experience, joyful and inspirational. The cowboy and cowgirl are role models of skill, hard work, and tenacity. Their expertise in ranching, farming, rodeo and agriculture is a testament to the wonderful culture of the West (in the past, present and future).