Canada largest 7 day professional rodeo is set to kick off in Ponoka tomorrow, and the town is pulling out all the stops this year.

This morning the Wolf Creek Golf Course played host to some of the biggest names in rodeo, to welcome them to Central Alberta for the week.

MP for Red Deer and Lacombe and Honorary Ponoka Stampede President for this year Blaine Calkins says Ponoka has world class rodeo amenities with an authentic back drop.

"When you take a look at what we got here for facilities, the Ponoka Stampede Grounds is world class, the ag-event centre right next door, world class facilities...facilities you don't find, usually, unless you go to very populated areas, large cities and so on. But just from the cultural perspective, I mean, this is part of our western heritage, it's a way of life."

Miss Ponoka Stampede 2017 Michelle Greer was on hand to welcome some of the big names at the lunch today.

Born in the small community of Ferintosh about 40 mins west of Ponoka, Greer understands the significance of the Stampede.

"Well it is Canada's largest 7 day pro rodeo, and I think that it’s really significant and it's right in the heart of Central Alberta so it really is a great place that showcases Alberta's Western heritage and kind of how we became the great province that we are.”

Some of Greer's duties this week include carrying flags during the grand entry, presenting awards, and chasing stock out during the rodeo.

The Stampede officials starts tomorrow (Tuesday) morning at 9am, with the Farmers Market located inside the arena complex, with Diamond Rio hitting the stage at 6:30pm, with fireworks to follow.

For more information on the stampede and events, you can check out their website, ponokastampede.com.