This column has been covering an abundance of Cochrane and area history, but let’s change things up a little bit…let’s talk about ‘how the West is now.’
After all, we are creating history for future generations. Cochrane, with its volunteer spirit and many events during the year, will go down in history as the type of town everyone would love to move to.
The Labour Day Parade and the Lion’s Rodeo have passed. Volunteers and organizers worked very hard to make each bigger and better than last year. The support of the business community has been overwhelming. Our cowboys/girls put on an excellent showing in keeping the tradition of rodeos alive and well.
Now we have another parade to look forward to. Following Cochrane Light Up in November, the first annual Santa Claus Parade will run Dec. 13 from 5-6 p.m.; mark it on your calendar and be one of the first to experience the magic of Christmas in Cochrane.
I met Santa Claus at the Labour Day Parade, dressed in disguise, as a regular person, walking our streets. He told me, “There will be a collection of festive floats and family activities to spark the warmth of the holiday season for children young and old. It will be an unforgettable evening, the start of a tradition that is sure to create childhood memories for years to come.” If Santa said that, it must be true! If you want more information go to cochranesantaclaus.ca.
There are so many events coming up in Cochrane that there is not enough space to list them all. Besides various charity fundraisers and various sports starting up again, here are just a few more to keep in mind:
The Cochrane Classic Car Club is holding their Classic Car Show Sunday, Sept. 14 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Main Street, showing every type of vehicle from hot rods to antiques.
The Fall Home and Garden Show is Sept. 17; the Prairie Girls Vintage Market is Sept. 20 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Fall Car Care will be held Sept. 24. Check Cochrane.ca/events or the Cochrane Eagle for details.
Spray Lake Sawmills is holding sawmill tours Sept. 25 from 1-7 p.m. Register at 403-851-3301 or on line at spraylakesawmills.com. Tours will run every 15 minutes and attendees must be over 12 years old due to safety concerns.
Now, if the weather happens to be cold Sept. 25-27, remember that “Doors are Open” at 17 different establishments to offer tours. This could be very interesting and educational for all ages: Banks, graphic design, bronze statues, aerial maps, the mayor’s chair, waste water transfer station, water treatment plant, Cochrane & Area Humane Society, Big Hill Leisure Pool, Spray Lake Sawmills (Sept. 25 open house), Southern Baptist Seminary, Family Community Services and Support, Fire Services, Eco Centre, Ink’d Graphics and MinkHollow Media. Be sure to check online for the day each establishment is open for tours at Cochrane.ca/doorsopen.
Don’t miss the Cochrane Outhouse Races on Main Street (1st Street) Sept. 27 from 10-11 a.m. Now, how many towns have this?
Enjoy Cochrane; live in the now, so our great grandchildren can read about how Cochrane developed into a real fun place to live.
